Library › St Gregory of Tours › History of the Franks

History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 9, 37. Concerning Bishop Droctigisel

In these days Droctigisel was bishop of Soissons; it was said that from excessive drinking he had now for nigh four years lost his wits. Many of the citizens maintained that this befell him through witchcraft set afoot by an archdeacon whom he had deprived of his office. This confusion of the mind was worse within the city walls; on leaving them, he was easier. When the king¹ arrived in the city, though Droctigisel was better, he was not suffered within the walls because of the king’s entry. Though he was a glutton, and a drinker of wine to excess, beyond the measure beseeming a priest, who should practise moderation, yet no charge of adultery was ever made against him. Later, when the council of bishops met at the domain of Sorcy, it was decreed that he should be permitted to enter his city.

Previous · Contents · Next