Thrice happy the soul, which aspires to God, as the ultimate aim of a holy
ambition
!
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
Much credence is given at Clogher to a tradition, which states that, at the time of the Reformation, theguardian of the "Bell of St.
MacCartin," for greater safety, cast this venerated relic into this latter lake, which had not then wholly disappeared.
^' This king was the grandfather of St. Endeus of Arran, who flourished before the latter part of the fifth century.
^^ The daughter of Damen, in English.
'3 The daughter of the son of Damen, in English. We find, that Dympna was not a sister of St. Endeus, for her name does not appear amongst those of his sisters, who are often mentioned. She must have been either a first cousin or an aunt of his, if we follow the accounts of our genealogists; for, she is said to have been the d'aughter, or the paternal grand-daughter, of Daimhein, or Damen. a king of Orgiel, who was also grandfather to St. Endeus of Arran.
'••"Quod fugientem, sive fugitivum, vel fugitivam, denotat. "
75 In the Martyrology of Tallagh, at this day, we find the entry, " Damnat Sleibhe Betha. "—Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. May 15.
If this conjecture of Colgan be admitted, St. Dympna must have been born before the year 500, as her relative St. Endeus ^^ flourished prior to that time. We have no reason for beheving, that the Damen alluded to was a Chris- tian, and one of his sons might have been a pagan. In this case, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan considers our saint's martyrdom cannot be assigned to a later period, thantoabouta. d. 500. ^^ Onthismatter,however,muchuncertaintyprevails and, after all, it will be found most expedient, to confine ourselves within those accounts given, in the more ancient Acts of St. Dympna, which are now accessible, and which contain her traditional biography.
This holy virgin, a most stainless vessel of election, is said to have been daughter to one of those petty kings, who ruled in Ireland, and that he was also an idolater. Although this prince, addicted to pagan superstition, de- spised the true God, whose worship had been generally diffused by the apos- tles throughout the known world ; yet, he had acquired fame, owing to his supremacyoverrivalchieftains,andthroughhisprowessinwar. Hewasalso wealthy, besides being powerful.
The wife ^s of this prince was descended from a noble family. As in figure and in features, her beauty formed the theme of general conversation, so her husband became devotedly attached to his companion. It had been remarked by all, that the young and graceful Dympna bore astrikingresemblancetohermother. Fromherearliestinfancy,thechild seemedtohavereceivedspecialgracesfromHeaven. Althoughaccustomed to all the luxuries of life, owing to her birth, education, and position, this noble child appeared to have disregarded all her advantages of rank and station, and to have turned her thoughts towards more abiding interests. It was re- marked, that she felt no inclination to indulge in those idle amusements, in which so many of her sex waste their precious moments. She avoided dancing, profane singing, and all unbecoming pleasures. She carefully shunned all incentives, dangerously affecting the habits and sentiments of decorum and modesty. The very name of Damhnait,^° or Dympna,^' is said by the old writer of her Acts, to have given a promise, that she would afterwards render
herself worthy of God's approval. Like the white snow-drop of her natal lawns, that springs upward fi-om the rank and frozen soil, with its blossom
294
Irish Saints," p. xxvii.
7* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nice," xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, Appendix, cap. iv. , pp. 713, 714.
" See his Life, in the Third Volume of this work, ? . t the 2ist of March, Art. i.
St. Dympna having suffered about 500, it may be objected that the Andoverpes, or people about Antwerp, were pagans until the seventh century (see Fleury, i, 38, sect. 29), and many of ihem still later. But in the saint's Acts, they arc not represented as Christians in her time, although it is said there was a church at Ghee). Besides our not being bound to believe this part of the narrative, it may be observed, that a church or chapel might have been erected thereby some former missionaries, which, however, was neglected by the inhabitants. It may
also be said, that in the latter end of the said seventh centuiy, Antwerp was but a small place, a castrum, as appears from the Life of St. Villebrod. This difficulty is easily removed; whereas in the Acts it is only called a castrum, and this is no allusion to its having been in St. Dympna's days a place
tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sect.
xiii. , n. 134, pp. 476, 477.
" According to some accounts, she and
her daughter were Chiislians, and baptized by the holy Priest Gerebern. See " Les Petits Hollandistes' Vies des Saints," tome v. , Mai 15. p. 551.
^° The English meaning of this name is not given in Dr. O'Donovan's list of Irish female names.
^' The Irish name Damhnait or Devnet is Latinized Dymphna, as we are informed by Dr. O'Donovan, referring to the Irish tract, on " The History of Remarkable Women. " See "The Topographical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na Naomh O'Huid- hrin,' Introduction, p. 61.
thinks Colgan's conjecture,
^^
that Dymna the fugitive was the same as St. Dympna the martyr, not improbable. It is evident such is his meaning, altiiough through a misprint, "not prohal>le" occurs. He afterwards adds* " To the hypothesis of
—
of consequence. " "Ecclesiastical His-
lie also
;
———
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 395
pure and bright and vigorous, even through the chiUing blasts of winter; so this precious and lovely child bloomed in the midst of a moral landscape, where desolation overspread the face of nature, and contamination was to be apprehended from the mire and thorns, that surrounded this lily of stainless chastity.
CHAPTER II.
DEATH OF DYMPNA's MOTHER—THE SAINT's VOCATION TO THE TRUE FAITH—HKR father's proposal of MARRIAGE DYMPNA'5 VIRTUES AND CONSTANCY—SHE SEEKS THE ADVICE OF GEREBERN—IS COUNSELLED TO FLY FROM HER NATIVE COUNTRY—ST. DYMPNA, GEREBERN, AND TWO COMPANIONS, LEAVE IRELAND THEY ARRIVE AT ANTWERP—PROCEED TO GHELE—TAKE UP THEIR RESIDENCE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ST. MARTIN'S ORATORY—THEIR PIOUS MANNER OF LIVING—GRIEF OF THE KING ON HIS DAUGHTER'S DEPARTURE—ORDERS MESSEN- GERS TO SEEK HER—PROCEEDS ON A LIKE SEARCH HIMSELF—ARRIVES AT ANTWERP—HIS SERVANTS BRING HIM INTELLIGENCE OF DYMPNA's DISCOVERY—HE VISITS THE PLACE OF HER RETREAT—URGES HER TO CONSENT GEREBERN'S NOBLE REPRIMAND—THE KING'S ATTENDANTS DESIRE THE DEATH OF GEREBERN —THEIR. REPROACHES AGAINST THE HOLY PRIEST—HIS JUST REPROOFS—THE SERVANTS OF THE KING BEHEAD GEREBERN, WHOSE LIFE AND DEATH BEAR A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO THE ACTS AND PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
At a very early age, St, Dympna was left without the protecting care of a mother, who, lapsing into an infirm state of health, was finally removed from her by death. But, this temporal misfortune, perhaps, proved the occasion of greater spiritual gain for the orphan. She is said to have been placed under the tutelage of certain Christian women, who were her nurses and guardians. By these, she was also taught the lessons of divine faith, and admonished regarding the necessity of fulfilling all the duties they inculcated. It should seem that, during this guardianship, her father gave himself little concern, regarding the direction of his daughter's religious convictions. After being prepared in a proper manner for the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism, it was conferred on the noble maiden, by an old and a venerable priest, named Gerebern, or, as sometimes called, Genebrand. '
The grace of this sacrament was destined to produce other salutary effects, inthemindofthepiousneophyte. Shehadlongfeltagrowinginclination, asheryearsprogressed,toconsecratehervirginitytpGod. Accordingly,she consulted her director, in whose sanctity and prudence she had great confi- dence, on this matter. His advice accorded with her own holy desire ; and, thenceforth, she took her resolution of diverting her thoughts from the allure- ments of the world, to which her birth, her station, and her beauty, might seem to invite.
More vehemently even than Abraham grieved for the loss of his wife Sarah,2 qj. ^\^^^ Jq^^ lamented the sudden death of his children,3 the Gentile
Chapter ii. — ' The Rev. S. Baring- "Kinder Mahrchen," p. 65. We are in- Gould has remarked, that there is no very formed, likewise, that the story is found ancient account of the Legend of Saints among the Highlanders, Neapolitans, Dympna and Gerebern, whose martyrdom Greeks, Germans, Litliuanians, Hungarians, rests on tradition ; while, there is much &c. See " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. ,
fable in their story, and every appearance of its earlier part being the localization of the \vide-spread household tale of " Catskin," the German " Allerlcirauch," Grimm's
May 15, p. 207, and n. i.
° Genesis, xxiii.
^ Job, i. 18, 19, 20, 21.
t " It may be thouglit strange, that even a
296 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
king mourned his deceased partner. However, this grief manifested itself in that strange and irrational manner, so commonly incident to the thoughts of a heart, not purified by the holy influence of religion. After a lapse of some time, the king resolved on alleviating his sorrows, while preserving a vivid recollection of their cause, by sending messengers, not only to all parts of his own principality, but even to adjoining countries, and charged with a commis- sion, to find some noble lady, exactly resembling his deceased wife in features and in figure. Should their search prove successful, those ambassadors were directed, to demand the selected lady's hand in marriage. They were also instructed, to conduct her to their dynast, with every demonstration of pomp and rejoicing.
The confidential and distinguished persons, selected for this tour of dis- covery, made every preparation for departure, having been previously assured, they should receive marks of still greater favour and honour, if tiicy could succeedinthatobject,onwhichtheywereengaged. Thekingdesiredthem to use every discreet means, for being introduced to as many noble ladies, as they could visit, within a reasonably short interval. They were directed, to report all particulars, regarding the personal appearance and mien of those ladies. Some time was necessarily spent, in perfecting the arrangements for the required inspection, and many countries were visited, but in vain ; so tliat, after a fruitless inquiry and search, 'the messengers despaired in accomplisli- ing the object of their king's desire, and they proposed to return. A new idea seems to have taken possession of their minds. On entering their sove- reign's court, the king was told, how fruitless had proved that long investiga-
tion, made during their absence. At the same time, they remarked, how exceedingly like her mother Dympna appeared, both as to amiability of dis- position and beauty of person. Nor could her father, they declared, more perfectly revive the recollection of his past happiness and affection, than by persuading his charming daughter, to give her consent to nuptials, such as they suggested. The very instinct of natural law should have corrected such an opinion, and parental feelings should have revolted from the unhallowed suggestion. For the honour of human nature, it is to be hoped, th. at even amongst the pagan inhabitants of our country, incestuous marriages were rare. * However, we have some authenticated accounts of habits and customs,s after- wards very generally eradicated, through the bright and purifying influences of Christianity's general diffusion. ^ The unholy relation of Lot towards his daughters,7 and of Amnion towards his sister, Thamar,^ prove how degrading monstrosities of passion may stain the souls of men, who yield to the base allurements of vice and irreligion. We can, therefore, scarcely wonder at however severely we may reprobate—the conduct of this Gentile potentate, who lent a willing ear to the poisoned words of his evil counsellors. The
pagan, anyhow civilized, could have resolved xvi. , sect, xiii. , n. 134. p. 477. We are re on marrying his own dauglitcr ; but inces- ferred for evidence of the foregoing state- tuous mairinges of this, and even of a nients to Vallancey's "Vindication," etc. , worse kind, were not unusual among some p. 351.
nations, otherwise far removed from the sav- = jjee O'Flaherty's "Ogygia," pars, iii. , age state, such as the Persians in the cap. xlvii. , p. 282 ; and cap. xlix. , p. 287,
proudest time of their empire. It is certain, that the pagan Irish had several customs and practices, both religious and political, sinii- larto those of the Persians and some other Orientals. The mode of contracting mar- riages is said to have been nearly the same in Ireland as in Persia. "—Dr. Lanigan's " Ec- clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap.
° The student of our history is referred to other accounts, bearing allusion to morals and practices of a more advanced period, yet not tending to Christian edification. See Dr. Todd's " Liber Hymnorum," Fasciculus i. , pp. 81 to 93.
' Genesis, xix.
' II. Kings, xiii.
—-
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
297
Devil also knew, that his empire over the pure mind of Dympna must end, if he could not effect her return to idolatry, and persuade her father to violate the living temple of God in her soul. His temptations readily prevailed, against that restless spirit of the flesh, which remained unfortified by the graces ofthesacraments; but,whentrieduponaweakervessel,stillprotectedbya power from on high, his arts were rendered nugatory, and his solicitations were effectually counteracted.
The approach of temptation is usually insidious, and it requires more than human strength and wisdom to divine its motive and object. Scarcely had the father of Dympna conceived this depraved passion, than natural affection for his daughter seemed to increase in intensity, and every fond caress was cautiously veiled from the suspicions of the lovely and innocent child. At length, with persuasive and flattering words, the father began to manifest the purpose he had in view, by promising a variety of elegant apparel, ornaments and wealth, or whatever might appear most desirable to a girl of her years, as a reward for compliance with his marriage proposals. Long since dedicated to the embraces of her Heavenly Spouse, Dympna trembled with horror, at. the snares laid for her purity, when she learned the full nature of their fearful import. However,shenoblyanswered,thatnoearthlyinducementorpower could oblige her, to dishonour the memory of a deceased parent, or mmister for the gratification of a living one, by any tiiought or act contrary to the natural or divine law. She declared her loathing and horror of this base and abominable proposition. But, the king was persistent in his wicked desires, v;hich grew stronger in proportion to the opposition given by his pure-minded daughter. He urged every argument, yet still to no purpose ; and, at length, inflamed with resentment, he told Dympna she must yield to his wishes, whether he succeeded in obtainmg her consent, or forced her to compliance.
Sadness settled on the soul of this holy maiden, when such a doleful in- tention was expressed. All her arguments and entreaties proved unavailing, against the attempted caresses of her father, who could not but respect that innate feeling of modesty, which parents should especially labour to inculcate in the minds of youthful children. When the heroic Judith found Iierself re- duced to similar straits, not being able to escape from the solicitation of Holofernes, she was mysteriously inspired to demand an interval of three days and three nights, that she might be at liberty to determine her future course of action. The better to cover her designs, she consented to array herself, in the most attractive robes. 9 Perhaps, Dympna had received this account from her Christian instructors, and had resolved on following such an example, under present difficulties. She asked her father for a respite of forty days, to consider his proposals ; and, in the meantime, she seemed anxious to procure those dresses and ornaments of female attire, which should tend most to enhance the attractions of her native beauty. On hearino- this her father immediately concluded, that his purpose must be accomplished • so truly do exaggerated accessories of dress betoken the weakness and frivo- lity of worldlings, with a spirit of vanity and levity, most dangerous to that purity and innocence of soul, which ought always to characterize a Christian lady. The king foolishly imagined those royal robes demanded were intended to render his daughter still more an object of delight, and that they should
at least dispose Dympna for ultimately consenting. Wherefore, his tln-eatened wrath was appeased, and he granted her request, with eagerness and loviu'^'- expressions. Like another Herod, and for a similar purpose, '° the kin^- de- clared, he would bestow half of his kingdom, had it been demanded ; but
9 Judith, X. , xii. '° Matthew, xiv. , 7.
298 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
he ordered everything that could serve the purposes of female decoration and minister to vanity for her special use. In this matter, his liberality was allied with that ungenerous selfishness, which contracts as it darkens the mind, driven to sinful objects and the sad consequences of depraved inclinations.
Thrice happy the soul, which aspires to God, as the ultimate aim of a holy ambition ! How noble the destiny of that young virgin, who treasured these sweet and consoling words of the Heavenly Bridegroom in her memory, that He came into tliis world to draw all hearts to Himself! How illuminated and fortified by divine grace, the tender soul of this bright pearl of chastity, when, like the apostles, she could safely exclaim, notwithstanding her natural affection for a persecuting father : " We must obey God rather than men ! "" Often did Dympna, in the hours of solitude, raise her pure heart to Heaven, for help and consolation ; often did she meditate on her vows of virginity, and on the dangerous storm that seemed impending, without any apparent prospect of release from its destructive blight. Oh ! with what feelings of anguish and sorrow did she not dread the course, which those currents might take, and which were criminally agitating the mind of a beloved parent ! She feared her own weak defences and unprotected position, and she knew not how soon the lamb might be torn, within the fold of a treacherous protector. And to reflect, that this foul wrong could proceed from a quarter, whence it might be least expected—her sense of modesty outraged—her stainless youth defiled—her nearest and dearest relative to become her destroyer and betrayer ! These were harrowing reflections ; but, they induced Dympna to consider, if she might find safety, by escaping from the dominions of her father. For weak indeed the holy virgin deemed herself, contending against such fearful odds. How could she preserve those flowers of chastity, which, with willing and full hands, she had so delicately gathered? This was the thought, which most occupied her mind ; and, the Almighty was pleased to devise those means, that served to assure her, and to solve every difticulty.
At this time, the old and venerable priest, Gerebern, lived in Ireland. He was full of that fire of divine charity, which Christ came to scatter in the world ; and, while his edifying conduct and Christian virtues obliged him to remain concealed, still some of the pagans sought his ministry, and were secretly baptized by him. This most amiable servant of God practised the virtues of chastity, of temperance, of Christian vigilance, and of prayer, in a high decree of perfection. Sound in doctrine, wise in counsel, and candid in discourse, like another Samuel, he always experienced a renewed spirit, in the Lord's service. " He always felt compassion, for the poor and afifiicted. Those who were burdened in conscience, and who approached him to reveal their hidden sins, received advice to suit their peculiar state, and they returned full of consolation, as if they had heard the words of an angel. Having a know- ledge of the wonderful graces that adorned this holy man, St. Dympna, ear- nestly desired his conversation, and sent a message to that effect. A great trouble, which filled her with ah\rm, required the sage counsel of this holy priest. In spiritual matters, self-will and pride of opinion lead to many evils
j
and, this holy virgin, distrusting her youth and inexperience, revealed the dreaded secret to her sage ilirector, from whom she expected some advice, regarding her future course of procedure. Gerebern was then told, how the king, her father, urged an infamous suit and with seductive persuasions, thus inducing her to renounce a vow of chastity, that he might plunge her into the abyss of liorrible depravity.
That holy priest, from his youth, had been a lover of chastity, and he re- " Acts, iv. , 19. " I. Kings, ii. , iii.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 299
mained pure and undefiled amidst all the corruption of this world. Com- passionating the miseries, to which this innocent girl was reduced, Gerebern offered her the best consolation in his power, and he recommended Dympna, to trust in God for a happy issue of the event. He advised her, to maintain her resolution of serving God in a single state of life, and to suffer every mis- fortune, even death itself, rather than abandon that virtue of virginity, or yield to the blandishments or threats of her father. The holy priest was satis- fied, that she had been sufficiently instructed, in the mysteries of divine faith ; he also knew her settled purpose as to a future state of life, and that she had been found worthy to receive baptism in secret, at his hands. He was also aware, that, through his influence, the docile maiden had despised all plea- sures and allurements of this world from her very infancy. In word and in habit, she avoided whatever should serve to recommend her beauty of form andofcarriagetotheeyesofmen. DwellingonthewordsoftheApostle: " Let him who standeth take heed lest he fall," '3 the pious priest was fearful and anxious, lest his precious child might imitate the example of her friends and kindred, in a court that offered so many incentives to sin. And, as those who trust to their own strength and exertions are often deceived, he dreaded the possibility of this dear ward falling into those snares, laid for so many of her sex, by the seductions of luxury, or through natural terrors, that might urge her to criminal compliance.
The holy priest Gerebern silently and earnestly deliberated, as to how he might save his youthful neophyte from that gulf, which threatened to de- stroy both soul and body. He considered the weapon aimed from a distance, if it cannot be always avoided, at least, may be deprived of a more deadly effect, as distance might lend opportunity for prevision and defence. He therefore advised St. Dympna, to fly from her native country to a more dis- tant one \ and, as danger was now imminent, he urged her to make no delay. The example of Jacob avoiding the fury of his brother Esau,''^ of David escap- ing from the vengeance of Saul,'5 and of the just Joseph flying from Herod, when warned by an angel during sleep,'^ were worthy of the pure virgin's imitation. Humble in spirit herself, it was meet she should follow the exam- ple of the lowly Jesus, flying from His enemies, and thus baffling all designs of the most wicked one. No sooner had the holy virgin fully resolved on her future course of action, than the deep interest felt in its successful prosecution caused her to pass many sleepless nights, in conjectures about embracing the most favourable opportunity, which might be presented, to escape from her native country. Soon, indeed, she was enabled to put the advice of her sage director, Gerebern, into execution. The hour for flight having arrived, and every circumstance bearing on this matter having been most providentially arranged, it was resolved to steal away privately, with only a few in com- pany. This small band of exiles was composed of St. Dympna, her venera- ble companion Gerebern,'? her father's court jester, and the wife of this latter person. The writer of our saint's Acts tells us, that the two retainers accom- panying her served to disarm the suspicions of her guardian, because it might naturally be suspected, the maiden left her father's house for the sake of a little recreation. We can hardly doubt, that the jester and his wife were Christians ; and, most probably, the holy priest Gerebern had wisely arranged to have the benefit of their companionship, for the sake of avoiding all possi- ble semblance of scandal or evil suspicions, as to the object and motives of the principal parties engaged in this adventure.
'3 I. Cor. , X. , 12.
'* Genesis, xxviii.
's I. Kings, xix. , 18.
'* Matthew, ii. , 13, 14.
"'^ In the time of Canon Peter, St. Gere- bern was held in great veneration at Santen,
300
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Here it will be necessary, however, to interrupt the narrative of their escape, by stating, that at the present day, there is a popular tradition cur- rent,'^ 'how the holy St. Damphne and her companions, having fled from her father the king, took refuge in a ravine, then enclosed with thick woods. The spot is still pointed out, in the townland of Curraghwillan,'9 near the old "laveyardofLaveyparish,inthecountyofCavan. Throughthisravine,a stream gurgles onwards, in broken courses ; and, immediately over a small cascade, there is a steep rock, on the summit of which may be seen the foundationsofanoldoratory,whichwasquadrangular. Itmeasured34feet,
St. Daphne's Station, County of Cavan.
in length, by 16 feet, in width. The walls are about three feet in thickness, andtheywerebuiltwithaspeciesofgreenflagstones. Thisiscalled,atpre- sent, St. Damphne's old house or station. =° Like the children of Israel escaping from the restraint of the tyrant Pharaoh,^' this little band hastened, finally, towards the sea-shore, where a vessel had been provided. Here they
a town near the Rhine, and a community of secular canons was attaclied to that church. Henschcnius adds a note, in connection with tliis statement, that he was also venerated at Sonsbeck, near Clcves.
St. Dympna. " Exodus, xiv.
''This was stated, by an intelligent pea-
sant, who accompanied the writer to this in-
teresting spot ; and, although he had never
heard any but mere local traditionary ac-
counts, it seemed wonderful to remark the
coincidence of his narrative with that of is here represented. The drawing was Canon Tclcr, who does not appear to have transferred to the wood, by William F. received any immediate information from Wakeman, and it has been engraved by Irish sources, when composing his Life of Mrs. Millard.
'9 Thus it is locally spelled and pro- nounced, by the natives. On the " Ordnance Survey Townland ^^aps of the County of Cavan," sheet 26, it is written, Corrawiilan, a small townland, in the parish of Lavey, and barony of Upper Loughtee. On the Map is marked, likewise, the site of Dav- nei's chapel.
""
spot, and took a sketch of the scene, which
In June, 1876, the writer visited this
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 301
embarked, and, with pious gratitude, committed their future course to the direc- tion of Divine Providence. We may well admire the noble resolution exhited by this tender virgin, and the wonderful desire of avoiding all snares laid for her purity, when one so very young, and unaccustomed to hardships, danger, and privation, feared not trusting herself to the raging billows of that sea, although quite uncertain as to the future events it might please Heaven to decree. Casting aside the natural timidity of her age and sex, her hopes and heart aspired to her Maker, who directs the winds and waves to subside, that a great calm may ensue. ^"^ She also recollected, and felt confidence in the fact, tliat the Almighty had caused His chosen Israelites to pass from Egypt on dry land through the depths of the Red Sea, while the billows surged around them on either side. ^3 Such was her strong faith and love of God, that the fear of death or the dangers of banishment—perhaps amongst uncivilized people
—
difficultiesimpending. Throughdutyshewaspreparedtobidadieutoher relations, and to the house of her father, as also to the friends and familiars of her native country. She disregarded all the accessories of rank and station, with those earthly comforts they were sure to provide. Some of those on board turned their eyes with a natural feeling of regret towards the receding coast, when scudding over the rocks and shoals, or bounding through the waves. They,doubtless,thoughtoffriendsandhomewiththatstrongaffec- tion, which a future uncertainty of returning to behold them ever awakens within the breasts of unwilling exiles. But, conscious that her hand had been put on the plough, and that the furrows made through the main should not be retraced ^4—knowing also that the wife of Lot, when departing from Sodom, had been changed into a pillar of salt ^s—Dympna heroically turned her eyes towards the onward course, lest love of country and of friends should cause a
could not cause her to blanch with fear, in presence ofjthe
momentary pang, to weaken the force of her holy resolution.
Whilst their vessel bounded swiftly over the waves, or met opposing winds on the course, our voyagers trusted to the direction of Divine Providence. At length, after a generally favourable passage, they arrived on a coast, near the present city of Antwerp. ^^ Having disembarked, they procured lodging at a hospice, where they rested for some time, and made all requisite inquiries among the natives of that place, to discover the most suitable locality for their permanent residence. They were anxious to dwell in a retired spot, where they should be removed from intercourse with pagans, and where they could worship their Creator in sincerity and truth. The heart earnestly devoted to God's service always desires seclusion, from the bustle and tur- moil of temporal cares. The true servant of Christ centres all happiness in pleasing a Master, who will preserve him innocent and unattached, although
living in the midst of worldly temptations and corruption. Yet, it is always difficult, even for true worshippers of the Lord, to escape those stains of sin, when moving through the general herd of worldlings.
Our travellers had only rested on the track of their wearisome route. Again, they resumed this long journey, and passed along roads, leading through woods and solitudes, over the heathy Kempenland. ^7 Through one com- munity or another, and passing the habitations of many strange people, they arrived with little delay at a village, which was named Ghele,"^ by the old in-
" St. Matthew, viii. , 26. '3 Exodus, xiv. , 22.
'* See Luke, ix. , 62.
'5 Genesis, xix. , 26.
'* See a description and historical notice
of this city, in the " Popular Encyclopedia or Conversations Lexicon," vol. i. , pp. 201, 202.
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. , May 15, p. 208.
;
302
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
habitants of that place. '9 Here they received a hospitable reception,3° and, after a very fatiguing and continuous journey, tliey were allowed an interval to recruit their exhausted strength. 3' Thus, the Almighty, who formerly con- ducted by a straight course the aged servant Eliezar into the house of Abra- ham, as the steward and confidant of his master,32 had compassion also on the painful travelling of His servants, and brought them safely through bye- ways and rugged paths, to the end of their course.
These holy companions arose early, on the day following their arrival, for the purpose of reconnoitring the vicinity of Ghele, and with a view of selecting some site for their future dwelling. They at length found an oratory, dedi- cated to St. Martin,33 the bishop of happy memory, and whose festival occurs on the nth of November. 34 In the immediate neighbourhood of this hermi-
tage, they found a quiet and retired spot, most suitable for purposes of reli-. gious contemplation and refuge. Here, the sweet exercise of prayer engaged their time; and, as they had retired to tlie desert, there, according to His promise, the Almighty spoke to their hcarts. 35 In the oratory, Gerebern oftentimes celebrated the divine mysteries, and became a faithful mediator between God and His servants, by offering the agreeable and propitiatory sacrifice. Having cleared a small plot of ground, from its thorny shrubs and branching trees,3^ a suitable habitation 37 was erected near that little oratory.
'^ Gheel is now a town of Belgium, in the
province of Antwerp, and situated on the
Great Nethes River. It lies about twenty-
five English miles, to the east of the city of
Antwerp. Its present population is over
eight thousand inhabitants, many of whom
are employed in the manufacture of lace. It
is said, that for centuries back, the inhabi-
tants have devoted themselves to the care of
insane persons, who are sent there from all
parts of Belgium. From seven hundred to
eight hundred of these afflicted creatures re-
ceive attendance in this town. See of Tongres, near Liege, or probably of
" Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , sub voce, Gheel.
=9 Excolebatur enim tunc temporis villa de Gheel raro inhabitatore, quia in ea quin- decim tantummodo hospita, qu? e etiam ne- morum densitate fere per sex miliaria fuerunt circumsepta. "—Vita S. Dymphnae. Apud Messingham's " Florilegium Insulce Sancto- rum," p. 344.
3° In Butken's " Trophees tant sacres que prophanes de Duche de Brabant," we find the following notices of this city: "Gele est une tres belle bourgade, situee a deux grosses lieues de Herentals, et at outre I'Eglise Paroissiale, la Collegiale -de Ste. Dimpne, Vierge, tres bien bastie, il apper- tenoit ci-devat a ceux de Bcrthout Sires de Duffle, et tomba par alliance en la niaison de Homes d'ou estant passe en cellede Rot- selaer, elle parvient finalement en celles de Merode et Witthem. " Tome ii. , liv. ii. , p. 27. A la Haye, A. n. 1724, fol.
3' John Baptist Grammny writes : " Post annum sexcentcssinnun advcnicnte Dympna regia virgine obsccenum I'atrcm fugientc et fugse presidium hie nacta, locus hie excole- batur, sed raro habitatore, quindecim dum-
Maestricht, in Brabant. He adds, conjec- turally, "quidni etiam tempore B. Pippini Ducis a S. Amando tunc Episcopo Aposto- lico, qui ante Turonibus apud S. Martinum, aliquamdiu substiterat? "
^ John Baptist Gramayus tells us, that this oratory of St. Martin was to be seen in a well-preserved state at Capremons, com- monly called Kiuremont, where an annual trade in woollen blankets was carried on in the weavers' shops. The veneration for St. Martin was very great throughout Belgium, even during those ages immediately succeed- ing the death of that saint.
35 Osee, ii. , 14.
3* " Excolebatur autem tunc temporis locus ille raro inhabitatore tantummodo quindecim hospitiis, vepriumque densitate refertus fere per sex millia dilatando arbo- rum nemorosa magnitudine prcestanserat. "
37 John Baptist Gramayus, in "Antiquita- tibus Antverpice, " tells us, that it resembled a cell, and here St. Gerebern for the space of three months led a most angelic life in vigils and prayer.
3^ Their cell was afterwards to be seen in the village, Latinized, Zamiualia, now Zam-
taxat sedibus rusticanis et quidem ob silva- rum densitates ad sex millia passuum dissi- tis et circumseptis villse autem (verba sunt historise) antiquum nomen Gelx erat imposi- tum, a Flavo colore ut apparet, cujus re- gionesundecim ut nunc res sunt, ordine per- curram et quod in singulis rarum aut memo- rabile aimotabo. "—" Antverpiae Antiquita- tes," lib. ii. , cap. x. , p. 141.
3^ Genesis, xv. , xxiv.
33 Henschenius thinks this veneration might have been promoted by the bishops
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Here the all-seeing eye was benignantly directed to the pious exercises and
3^
merits of our holy exiles.
Thus circumstanced, the holy Gerebern and St. Dympna spent many
happy hours, in considering the empty pomp of worldlings, and the wisdom of aspiring to Heavenly rewards. They often reflected, on the pains of Hell, and on the importance of securing their souls' salvation. So far as the con- veniences of their humble dwelling admitted, they fasted, prayed, and passed a great portion of their time, both during the day and night, in devout con- templation. To prepare their souls for these pious practices was a constant object of their solicitude. Strength of human affection was restrained by that chastened spirit, which arises from a true love of God, and from the eliciting of internal penitential desires. Pious exercises engaged their inmost thoughts, and regulated those ordinary relations of life, between the aged priest and his angelic ward. She listened to the words of instruction, that fell from Gere- bern's lips, as if they had been spoken, by the Holy Spirit of light and of truth. Filled with a love of holy chastity, her outward senses never embraced objects dangerously affecting the state of perfection to which she aspired. She felt most anxious, to fulfil all her duties, under the experienced counsel of her saintly director, and her more than father, in paternal interest and tenderness.
^' This king was the grandfather of St. Endeus of Arran, who flourished before the latter part of the fifth century.
^^ The daughter of Damen, in English.
'3 The daughter of the son of Damen, in English. We find, that Dympna was not a sister of St. Endeus, for her name does not appear amongst those of his sisters, who are often mentioned. She must have been either a first cousin or an aunt of his, if we follow the accounts of our genealogists; for, she is said to have been the d'aughter, or the paternal grand-daughter, of Daimhein, or Damen. a king of Orgiel, who was also grandfather to St. Endeus of Arran.
'••"Quod fugientem, sive fugitivum, vel fugitivam, denotat. "
75 In the Martyrology of Tallagh, at this day, we find the entry, " Damnat Sleibhe Betha. "—Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Calendar of
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. May 15.
If this conjecture of Colgan be admitted, St. Dympna must have been born before the year 500, as her relative St. Endeus ^^ flourished prior to that time. We have no reason for beheving, that the Damen alluded to was a Chris- tian, and one of his sons might have been a pagan. In this case, the Rev. Dr. Lanigan considers our saint's martyrdom cannot be assigned to a later period, thantoabouta. d. 500. ^^ Onthismatter,however,muchuncertaintyprevails and, after all, it will be found most expedient, to confine ourselves within those accounts given, in the more ancient Acts of St. Dympna, which are now accessible, and which contain her traditional biography.
This holy virgin, a most stainless vessel of election, is said to have been daughter to one of those petty kings, who ruled in Ireland, and that he was also an idolater. Although this prince, addicted to pagan superstition, de- spised the true God, whose worship had been generally diffused by the apos- tles throughout the known world ; yet, he had acquired fame, owing to his supremacyoverrivalchieftains,andthroughhisprowessinwar. Hewasalso wealthy, besides being powerful.
The wife ^s of this prince was descended from a noble family. As in figure and in features, her beauty formed the theme of general conversation, so her husband became devotedly attached to his companion. It had been remarked by all, that the young and graceful Dympna bore astrikingresemblancetohermother. Fromherearliestinfancy,thechild seemedtohavereceivedspecialgracesfromHeaven. Althoughaccustomed to all the luxuries of life, owing to her birth, education, and position, this noble child appeared to have disregarded all her advantages of rank and station, and to have turned her thoughts towards more abiding interests. It was re- marked, that she felt no inclination to indulge in those idle amusements, in which so many of her sex waste their precious moments. She avoided dancing, profane singing, and all unbecoming pleasures. She carefully shunned all incentives, dangerously affecting the habits and sentiments of decorum and modesty. The very name of Damhnait,^° or Dympna,^' is said by the old writer of her Acts, to have given a promise, that she would afterwards render
herself worthy of God's approval. Like the white snow-drop of her natal lawns, that springs upward fi-om the rank and frozen soil, with its blossom
294
Irish Saints," p. xxvii.
7* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nice," xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, Appendix, cap. iv. , pp. 713, 714.
" See his Life, in the Third Volume of this work, ? . t the 2ist of March, Art. i.
St. Dympna having suffered about 500, it may be objected that the Andoverpes, or people about Antwerp, were pagans until the seventh century (see Fleury, i, 38, sect. 29), and many of ihem still later. But in the saint's Acts, they arc not represented as Christians in her time, although it is said there was a church at Ghee). Besides our not being bound to believe this part of the narrative, it may be observed, that a church or chapel might have been erected thereby some former missionaries, which, however, was neglected by the inhabitants. It may
also be said, that in the latter end of the said seventh centuiy, Antwerp was but a small place, a castrum, as appears from the Life of St. Villebrod. This difficulty is easily removed; whereas in the Acts it is only called a castrum, and this is no allusion to its having been in St. Dympna's days a place
tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sect.
xiii. , n. 134, pp. 476, 477.
" According to some accounts, she and
her daughter were Chiislians, and baptized by the holy Priest Gerebern. See " Les Petits Hollandistes' Vies des Saints," tome v. , Mai 15. p. 551.
^° The English meaning of this name is not given in Dr. O'Donovan's list of Irish female names.
^' The Irish name Damhnait or Devnet is Latinized Dymphna, as we are informed by Dr. O'Donovan, referring to the Irish tract, on " The History of Remarkable Women. " See "The Topographical Poems of John O'Dubhagain and Giolla na Naomh O'Huid- hrin,' Introduction, p. 61.
thinks Colgan's conjecture,
^^
that Dymna the fugitive was the same as St. Dympna the martyr, not improbable. It is evident such is his meaning, altiiough through a misprint, "not prohal>le" occurs. He afterwards adds* " To the hypothesis of
—
of consequence. " "Ecclesiastical His-
lie also
;
———
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 395
pure and bright and vigorous, even through the chiUing blasts of winter; so this precious and lovely child bloomed in the midst of a moral landscape, where desolation overspread the face of nature, and contamination was to be apprehended from the mire and thorns, that surrounded this lily of stainless chastity.
CHAPTER II.
DEATH OF DYMPNA's MOTHER—THE SAINT's VOCATION TO THE TRUE FAITH—HKR father's proposal of MARRIAGE DYMPNA'5 VIRTUES AND CONSTANCY—SHE SEEKS THE ADVICE OF GEREBERN—IS COUNSELLED TO FLY FROM HER NATIVE COUNTRY—ST. DYMPNA, GEREBERN, AND TWO COMPANIONS, LEAVE IRELAND THEY ARRIVE AT ANTWERP—PROCEED TO GHELE—TAKE UP THEIR RESIDENCE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ST. MARTIN'S ORATORY—THEIR PIOUS MANNER OF LIVING—GRIEF OF THE KING ON HIS DAUGHTER'S DEPARTURE—ORDERS MESSEN- GERS TO SEEK HER—PROCEEDS ON A LIKE SEARCH HIMSELF—ARRIVES AT ANTWERP—HIS SERVANTS BRING HIM INTELLIGENCE OF DYMPNA's DISCOVERY—HE VISITS THE PLACE OF HER RETREAT—URGES HER TO CONSENT GEREBERN'S NOBLE REPRIMAND—THE KING'S ATTENDANTS DESIRE THE DEATH OF GEREBERN —THEIR. REPROACHES AGAINST THE HOLY PRIEST—HIS JUST REPROOFS—THE SERVANTS OF THE KING BEHEAD GEREBERN, WHOSE LIFE AND DEATH BEAR A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO THE ACTS AND PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
At a very early age, St, Dympna was left without the protecting care of a mother, who, lapsing into an infirm state of health, was finally removed from her by death. But, this temporal misfortune, perhaps, proved the occasion of greater spiritual gain for the orphan. She is said to have been placed under the tutelage of certain Christian women, who were her nurses and guardians. By these, she was also taught the lessons of divine faith, and admonished regarding the necessity of fulfilling all the duties they inculcated. It should seem that, during this guardianship, her father gave himself little concern, regarding the direction of his daughter's religious convictions. After being prepared in a proper manner for the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism, it was conferred on the noble maiden, by an old and a venerable priest, named Gerebern, or, as sometimes called, Genebrand. '
The grace of this sacrament was destined to produce other salutary effects, inthemindofthepiousneophyte. Shehadlongfeltagrowinginclination, asheryearsprogressed,toconsecratehervirginitytpGod. Accordingly,she consulted her director, in whose sanctity and prudence she had great confi- dence, on this matter. His advice accorded with her own holy desire ; and, thenceforth, she took her resolution of diverting her thoughts from the allure- ments of the world, to which her birth, her station, and her beauty, might seem to invite.
More vehemently even than Abraham grieved for the loss of his wife Sarah,2 qj. ^\^^^ Jq^^ lamented the sudden death of his children,3 the Gentile
Chapter ii. — ' The Rev. S. Baring- "Kinder Mahrchen," p. 65. We are in- Gould has remarked, that there is no very formed, likewise, that the story is found ancient account of the Legend of Saints among the Highlanders, Neapolitans, Dympna and Gerebern, whose martyrdom Greeks, Germans, Litliuanians, Hungarians, rests on tradition ; while, there is much &c. See " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. ,
fable in their story, and every appearance of its earlier part being the localization of the \vide-spread household tale of " Catskin," the German " Allerlcirauch," Grimm's
May 15, p. 207, and n. i.
° Genesis, xxiii.
^ Job, i. 18, 19, 20, 21.
t " It may be thouglit strange, that even a
296 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
king mourned his deceased partner. However, this grief manifested itself in that strange and irrational manner, so commonly incident to the thoughts of a heart, not purified by the holy influence of religion. After a lapse of some time, the king resolved on alleviating his sorrows, while preserving a vivid recollection of their cause, by sending messengers, not only to all parts of his own principality, but even to adjoining countries, and charged with a commis- sion, to find some noble lady, exactly resembling his deceased wife in features and in figure. Should their search prove successful, those ambassadors were directed, to demand the selected lady's hand in marriage. They were also instructed, to conduct her to their dynast, with every demonstration of pomp and rejoicing.
The confidential and distinguished persons, selected for this tour of dis- covery, made every preparation for departure, having been previously assured, they should receive marks of still greater favour and honour, if tiicy could succeedinthatobject,onwhichtheywereengaged. Thekingdesiredthem to use every discreet means, for being introduced to as many noble ladies, as they could visit, within a reasonably short interval. They were directed, to report all particulars, regarding the personal appearance and mien of those ladies. Some time was necessarily spent, in perfecting the arrangements for the required inspection, and many countries were visited, but in vain ; so tliat, after a fruitless inquiry and search, 'the messengers despaired in accomplisli- ing the object of their king's desire, and they proposed to return. A new idea seems to have taken possession of their minds. On entering their sove- reign's court, the king was told, how fruitless had proved that long investiga-
tion, made during their absence. At the same time, they remarked, how exceedingly like her mother Dympna appeared, both as to amiability of dis- position and beauty of person. Nor could her father, they declared, more perfectly revive the recollection of his past happiness and affection, than by persuading his charming daughter, to give her consent to nuptials, such as they suggested. The very instinct of natural law should have corrected such an opinion, and parental feelings should have revolted from the unhallowed suggestion. For the honour of human nature, it is to be hoped, th. at even amongst the pagan inhabitants of our country, incestuous marriages were rare. * However, we have some authenticated accounts of habits and customs,s after- wards very generally eradicated, through the bright and purifying influences of Christianity's general diffusion. ^ The unholy relation of Lot towards his daughters,7 and of Amnion towards his sister, Thamar,^ prove how degrading monstrosities of passion may stain the souls of men, who yield to the base allurements of vice and irreligion. We can, therefore, scarcely wonder at however severely we may reprobate—the conduct of this Gentile potentate, who lent a willing ear to the poisoned words of his evil counsellors. The
pagan, anyhow civilized, could have resolved xvi. , sect, xiii. , n. 134. p. 477. We are re on marrying his own dauglitcr ; but inces- ferred for evidence of the foregoing state- tuous mairinges of this, and even of a nients to Vallancey's "Vindication," etc. , worse kind, were not unusual among some p. 351.
nations, otherwise far removed from the sav- = jjee O'Flaherty's "Ogygia," pars, iii. , age state, such as the Persians in the cap. xlvii. , p. 282 ; and cap. xlix. , p. 287,
proudest time of their empire. It is certain, that the pagan Irish had several customs and practices, both religious and political, sinii- larto those of the Persians and some other Orientals. The mode of contracting mar- riages is said to have been nearly the same in Ireland as in Persia. "—Dr. Lanigan's " Ec- clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap.
° The student of our history is referred to other accounts, bearing allusion to morals and practices of a more advanced period, yet not tending to Christian edification. See Dr. Todd's " Liber Hymnorum," Fasciculus i. , pp. 81 to 93.
' Genesis, xix.
' II. Kings, xiii.
—-
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
297
Devil also knew, that his empire over the pure mind of Dympna must end, if he could not effect her return to idolatry, and persuade her father to violate the living temple of God in her soul. His temptations readily prevailed, against that restless spirit of the flesh, which remained unfortified by the graces ofthesacraments; but,whentrieduponaweakervessel,stillprotectedbya power from on high, his arts were rendered nugatory, and his solicitations were effectually counteracted.
The approach of temptation is usually insidious, and it requires more than human strength and wisdom to divine its motive and object. Scarcely had the father of Dympna conceived this depraved passion, than natural affection for his daughter seemed to increase in intensity, and every fond caress was cautiously veiled from the suspicions of the lovely and innocent child. At length, with persuasive and flattering words, the father began to manifest the purpose he had in view, by promising a variety of elegant apparel, ornaments and wealth, or whatever might appear most desirable to a girl of her years, as a reward for compliance with his marriage proposals. Long since dedicated to the embraces of her Heavenly Spouse, Dympna trembled with horror, at. the snares laid for her purity, when she learned the full nature of their fearful import. However,shenoblyanswered,thatnoearthlyinducementorpower could oblige her, to dishonour the memory of a deceased parent, or mmister for the gratification of a living one, by any tiiought or act contrary to the natural or divine law. She declared her loathing and horror of this base and abominable proposition. But, the king was persistent in his wicked desires, v;hich grew stronger in proportion to the opposition given by his pure-minded daughter. He urged every argument, yet still to no purpose ; and, at length, inflamed with resentment, he told Dympna she must yield to his wishes, whether he succeeded in obtainmg her consent, or forced her to compliance.
Sadness settled on the soul of this holy maiden, when such a doleful in- tention was expressed. All her arguments and entreaties proved unavailing, against the attempted caresses of her father, who could not but respect that innate feeling of modesty, which parents should especially labour to inculcate in the minds of youthful children. When the heroic Judith found Iierself re- duced to similar straits, not being able to escape from the solicitation of Holofernes, she was mysteriously inspired to demand an interval of three days and three nights, that she might be at liberty to determine her future course of action. The better to cover her designs, she consented to array herself, in the most attractive robes. 9 Perhaps, Dympna had received this account from her Christian instructors, and had resolved on following such an example, under present difficulties. She asked her father for a respite of forty days, to consider his proposals ; and, in the meantime, she seemed anxious to procure those dresses and ornaments of female attire, which should tend most to enhance the attractions of her native beauty. On hearino- this her father immediately concluded, that his purpose must be accomplished • so truly do exaggerated accessories of dress betoken the weakness and frivo- lity of worldlings, with a spirit of vanity and levity, most dangerous to that purity and innocence of soul, which ought always to characterize a Christian lady. The king foolishly imagined those royal robes demanded were intended to render his daughter still more an object of delight, and that they should
at least dispose Dympna for ultimately consenting. Wherefore, his tln-eatened wrath was appeased, and he granted her request, with eagerness and loviu'^'- expressions. Like another Herod, and for a similar purpose, '° the kin^- de- clared, he would bestow half of his kingdom, had it been demanded ; but
9 Judith, X. , xii. '° Matthew, xiv. , 7.
298 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
he ordered everything that could serve the purposes of female decoration and minister to vanity for her special use. In this matter, his liberality was allied with that ungenerous selfishness, which contracts as it darkens the mind, driven to sinful objects and the sad consequences of depraved inclinations.
Thrice happy the soul, which aspires to God, as the ultimate aim of a holy ambition ! How noble the destiny of that young virgin, who treasured these sweet and consoling words of the Heavenly Bridegroom in her memory, that He came into tliis world to draw all hearts to Himself! How illuminated and fortified by divine grace, the tender soul of this bright pearl of chastity, when, like the apostles, she could safely exclaim, notwithstanding her natural affection for a persecuting father : " We must obey God rather than men ! "" Often did Dympna, in the hours of solitude, raise her pure heart to Heaven, for help and consolation ; often did she meditate on her vows of virginity, and on the dangerous storm that seemed impending, without any apparent prospect of release from its destructive blight. Oh ! with what feelings of anguish and sorrow did she not dread the course, which those currents might take, and which were criminally agitating the mind of a beloved parent ! She feared her own weak defences and unprotected position, and she knew not how soon the lamb might be torn, within the fold of a treacherous protector. And to reflect, that this foul wrong could proceed from a quarter, whence it might be least expected—her sense of modesty outraged—her stainless youth defiled—her nearest and dearest relative to become her destroyer and betrayer ! These were harrowing reflections ; but, they induced Dympna to consider, if she might find safety, by escaping from the dominions of her father. For weak indeed the holy virgin deemed herself, contending against such fearful odds. How could she preserve those flowers of chastity, which, with willing and full hands, she had so delicately gathered? This was the thought, which most occupied her mind ; and, the Almighty was pleased to devise those means, that served to assure her, and to solve every difticulty.
At this time, the old and venerable priest, Gerebern, lived in Ireland. He was full of that fire of divine charity, which Christ came to scatter in the world ; and, while his edifying conduct and Christian virtues obliged him to remain concealed, still some of the pagans sought his ministry, and were secretly baptized by him. This most amiable servant of God practised the virtues of chastity, of temperance, of Christian vigilance, and of prayer, in a high decree of perfection. Sound in doctrine, wise in counsel, and candid in discourse, like another Samuel, he always experienced a renewed spirit, in the Lord's service. " He always felt compassion, for the poor and afifiicted. Those who were burdened in conscience, and who approached him to reveal their hidden sins, received advice to suit their peculiar state, and they returned full of consolation, as if they had heard the words of an angel. Having a know- ledge of the wonderful graces that adorned this holy man, St. Dympna, ear- nestly desired his conversation, and sent a message to that effect. A great trouble, which filled her with ah\rm, required the sage counsel of this holy priest. In spiritual matters, self-will and pride of opinion lead to many evils
j
and, this holy virgin, distrusting her youth and inexperience, revealed the dreaded secret to her sage ilirector, from whom she expected some advice, regarding her future course of procedure. Gerebern was then told, how the king, her father, urged an infamous suit and with seductive persuasions, thus inducing her to renounce a vow of chastity, that he might plunge her into the abyss of liorrible depravity.
That holy priest, from his youth, had been a lover of chastity, and he re- " Acts, iv. , 19. " I. Kings, ii. , iii.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 299
mained pure and undefiled amidst all the corruption of this world. Com- passionating the miseries, to which this innocent girl was reduced, Gerebern offered her the best consolation in his power, and he recommended Dympna, to trust in God for a happy issue of the event. He advised her, to maintain her resolution of serving God in a single state of life, and to suffer every mis- fortune, even death itself, rather than abandon that virtue of virginity, or yield to the blandishments or threats of her father. The holy priest was satis- fied, that she had been sufficiently instructed, in the mysteries of divine faith ; he also knew her settled purpose as to a future state of life, and that she had been found worthy to receive baptism in secret, at his hands. He was also aware, that, through his influence, the docile maiden had despised all plea- sures and allurements of this world from her very infancy. In word and in habit, she avoided whatever should serve to recommend her beauty of form andofcarriagetotheeyesofmen. DwellingonthewordsoftheApostle: " Let him who standeth take heed lest he fall," '3 the pious priest was fearful and anxious, lest his precious child might imitate the example of her friends and kindred, in a court that offered so many incentives to sin. And, as those who trust to their own strength and exertions are often deceived, he dreaded the possibility of this dear ward falling into those snares, laid for so many of her sex, by the seductions of luxury, or through natural terrors, that might urge her to criminal compliance.
The holy priest Gerebern silently and earnestly deliberated, as to how he might save his youthful neophyte from that gulf, which threatened to de- stroy both soul and body. He considered the weapon aimed from a distance, if it cannot be always avoided, at least, may be deprived of a more deadly effect, as distance might lend opportunity for prevision and defence. He therefore advised St. Dympna, to fly from her native country to a more dis- tant one \ and, as danger was now imminent, he urged her to make no delay. The example of Jacob avoiding the fury of his brother Esau,''^ of David escap- ing from the vengeance of Saul,'5 and of the just Joseph flying from Herod, when warned by an angel during sleep,'^ were worthy of the pure virgin's imitation. Humble in spirit herself, it was meet she should follow the exam- ple of the lowly Jesus, flying from His enemies, and thus baffling all designs of the most wicked one. No sooner had the holy virgin fully resolved on her future course of action, than the deep interest felt in its successful prosecution caused her to pass many sleepless nights, in conjectures about embracing the most favourable opportunity, which might be presented, to escape from her native country. Soon, indeed, she was enabled to put the advice of her sage director, Gerebern, into execution. The hour for flight having arrived, and every circumstance bearing on this matter having been most providentially arranged, it was resolved to steal away privately, with only a few in com- pany. This small band of exiles was composed of St. Dympna, her venera- ble companion Gerebern,'? her father's court jester, and the wife of this latter person. The writer of our saint's Acts tells us, that the two retainers accom- panying her served to disarm the suspicions of her guardian, because it might naturally be suspected, the maiden left her father's house for the sake of a little recreation. We can hardly doubt, that the jester and his wife were Christians ; and, most probably, the holy priest Gerebern had wisely arranged to have the benefit of their companionship, for the sake of avoiding all possi- ble semblance of scandal or evil suspicions, as to the object and motives of the principal parties engaged in this adventure.
'3 I. Cor. , X. , 12.
'* Genesis, xxviii.
's I. Kings, xix. , 18.
'* Matthew, ii. , 13, 14.
"'^ In the time of Canon Peter, St. Gere- bern was held in great veneration at Santen,
300
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Here it will be necessary, however, to interrupt the narrative of their escape, by stating, that at the present day, there is a popular tradition cur- rent,'^ 'how the holy St. Damphne and her companions, having fled from her father the king, took refuge in a ravine, then enclosed with thick woods. The spot is still pointed out, in the townland of Curraghwillan,'9 near the old "laveyardofLaveyparish,inthecountyofCavan. Throughthisravine,a stream gurgles onwards, in broken courses ; and, immediately over a small cascade, there is a steep rock, on the summit of which may be seen the foundationsofanoldoratory,whichwasquadrangular. Itmeasured34feet,
St. Daphne's Station, County of Cavan.
in length, by 16 feet, in width. The walls are about three feet in thickness, andtheywerebuiltwithaspeciesofgreenflagstones. Thisiscalled,atpre- sent, St. Damphne's old house or station. =° Like the children of Israel escaping from the restraint of the tyrant Pharaoh,^' this little band hastened, finally, towards the sea-shore, where a vessel had been provided. Here they
a town near the Rhine, and a community of secular canons was attaclied to that church. Henschcnius adds a note, in connection with tliis statement, that he was also venerated at Sonsbeck, near Clcves.
St. Dympna. " Exodus, xiv.
''This was stated, by an intelligent pea-
sant, who accompanied the writer to this in-
teresting spot ; and, although he had never
heard any but mere local traditionary ac-
counts, it seemed wonderful to remark the
coincidence of his narrative with that of is here represented. The drawing was Canon Tclcr, who does not appear to have transferred to the wood, by William F. received any immediate information from Wakeman, and it has been engraved by Irish sources, when composing his Life of Mrs. Millard.
'9 Thus it is locally spelled and pro- nounced, by the natives. On the " Ordnance Survey Townland ^^aps of the County of Cavan," sheet 26, it is written, Corrawiilan, a small townland, in the parish of Lavey, and barony of Upper Loughtee. On the Map is marked, likewise, the site of Dav- nei's chapel.
""
spot, and took a sketch of the scene, which
In June, 1876, the writer visited this
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 301
embarked, and, with pious gratitude, committed their future course to the direc- tion of Divine Providence. We may well admire the noble resolution exhited by this tender virgin, and the wonderful desire of avoiding all snares laid for her purity, when one so very young, and unaccustomed to hardships, danger, and privation, feared not trusting herself to the raging billows of that sea, although quite uncertain as to the future events it might please Heaven to decree. Casting aside the natural timidity of her age and sex, her hopes and heart aspired to her Maker, who directs the winds and waves to subside, that a great calm may ensue. ^"^ She also recollected, and felt confidence in the fact, tliat the Almighty had caused His chosen Israelites to pass from Egypt on dry land through the depths of the Red Sea, while the billows surged around them on either side. ^3 Such was her strong faith and love of God, that the fear of death or the dangers of banishment—perhaps amongst uncivilized people
—
difficultiesimpending. Throughdutyshewaspreparedtobidadieutoher relations, and to the house of her father, as also to the friends and familiars of her native country. She disregarded all the accessories of rank and station, with those earthly comforts they were sure to provide. Some of those on board turned their eyes with a natural feeling of regret towards the receding coast, when scudding over the rocks and shoals, or bounding through the waves. They,doubtless,thoughtoffriendsandhomewiththatstrongaffec- tion, which a future uncertainty of returning to behold them ever awakens within the breasts of unwilling exiles. But, conscious that her hand had been put on the plough, and that the furrows made through the main should not be retraced ^4—knowing also that the wife of Lot, when departing from Sodom, had been changed into a pillar of salt ^s—Dympna heroically turned her eyes towards the onward course, lest love of country and of friends should cause a
could not cause her to blanch with fear, in presence ofjthe
momentary pang, to weaken the force of her holy resolution.
Whilst their vessel bounded swiftly over the waves, or met opposing winds on the course, our voyagers trusted to the direction of Divine Providence. At length, after a generally favourable passage, they arrived on a coast, near the present city of Antwerp. ^^ Having disembarked, they procured lodging at a hospice, where they rested for some time, and made all requisite inquiries among the natives of that place, to discover the most suitable locality for their permanent residence. They were anxious to dwell in a retired spot, where they should be removed from intercourse with pagans, and where they could worship their Creator in sincerity and truth. The heart earnestly devoted to God's service always desires seclusion, from the bustle and tur- moil of temporal cares. The true servant of Christ centres all happiness in pleasing a Master, who will preserve him innocent and unattached, although
living in the midst of worldly temptations and corruption. Yet, it is always difficult, even for true worshippers of the Lord, to escape those stains of sin, when moving through the general herd of worldlings.
Our travellers had only rested on the track of their wearisome route. Again, they resumed this long journey, and passed along roads, leading through woods and solitudes, over the heathy Kempenland. ^7 Through one com- munity or another, and passing the habitations of many strange people, they arrived with little delay at a village, which was named Ghele,"^ by the old in-
" St. Matthew, viii. , 26. '3 Exodus, xiv. , 22.
'* See Luke, ix. , 62.
'5 Genesis, xix. , 26.
'* See a description and historical notice
of this city, in the " Popular Encyclopedia or Conversations Lexicon," vol. i. , pp. 201, 202.
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. , May 15, p. 208.
;
302
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
habitants of that place. '9 Here they received a hospitable reception,3° and, after a very fatiguing and continuous journey, tliey were allowed an interval to recruit their exhausted strength. 3' Thus, the Almighty, who formerly con- ducted by a straight course the aged servant Eliezar into the house of Abra- ham, as the steward and confidant of his master,32 had compassion also on the painful travelling of His servants, and brought them safely through bye- ways and rugged paths, to the end of their course.
These holy companions arose early, on the day following their arrival, for the purpose of reconnoitring the vicinity of Ghele, and with a view of selecting some site for their future dwelling. They at length found an oratory, dedi- cated to St. Martin,33 the bishop of happy memory, and whose festival occurs on the nth of November. 34 In the immediate neighbourhood of this hermi-
tage, they found a quiet and retired spot, most suitable for purposes of reli-. gious contemplation and refuge. Here, the sweet exercise of prayer engaged their time; and, as they had retired to tlie desert, there, according to His promise, the Almighty spoke to their hcarts. 35 In the oratory, Gerebern oftentimes celebrated the divine mysteries, and became a faithful mediator between God and His servants, by offering the agreeable and propitiatory sacrifice. Having cleared a small plot of ground, from its thorny shrubs and branching trees,3^ a suitable habitation 37 was erected near that little oratory.
'^ Gheel is now a town of Belgium, in the
province of Antwerp, and situated on the
Great Nethes River. It lies about twenty-
five English miles, to the east of the city of
Antwerp. Its present population is over
eight thousand inhabitants, many of whom
are employed in the manufacture of lace. It
is said, that for centuries back, the inhabi-
tants have devoted themselves to the care of
insane persons, who are sent there from all
parts of Belgium. From seven hundred to
eight hundred of these afflicted creatures re-
ceive attendance in this town. See of Tongres, near Liege, or probably of
" Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , sub voce, Gheel.
=9 Excolebatur enim tunc temporis villa de Gheel raro inhabitatore, quia in ea quin- decim tantummodo hospita, qu? e etiam ne- morum densitate fere per sex miliaria fuerunt circumsepta. "—Vita S. Dymphnae. Apud Messingham's " Florilegium Insulce Sancto- rum," p. 344.
3° In Butken's " Trophees tant sacres que prophanes de Duche de Brabant," we find the following notices of this city: "Gele est une tres belle bourgade, situee a deux grosses lieues de Herentals, et at outre I'Eglise Paroissiale, la Collegiale -de Ste. Dimpne, Vierge, tres bien bastie, il apper- tenoit ci-devat a ceux de Bcrthout Sires de Duffle, et tomba par alliance en la niaison de Homes d'ou estant passe en cellede Rot- selaer, elle parvient finalement en celles de Merode et Witthem. " Tome ii. , liv. ii. , p. 27. A la Haye, A. n. 1724, fol.
3' John Baptist Grammny writes : " Post annum sexcentcssinnun advcnicnte Dympna regia virgine obsccenum I'atrcm fugientc et fugse presidium hie nacta, locus hie excole- batur, sed raro habitatore, quindecim dum-
Maestricht, in Brabant. He adds, conjec- turally, "quidni etiam tempore B. Pippini Ducis a S. Amando tunc Episcopo Aposto- lico, qui ante Turonibus apud S. Martinum, aliquamdiu substiterat? "
^ John Baptist Gramayus tells us, that this oratory of St. Martin was to be seen in a well-preserved state at Capremons, com- monly called Kiuremont, where an annual trade in woollen blankets was carried on in the weavers' shops. The veneration for St. Martin was very great throughout Belgium, even during those ages immediately succeed- ing the death of that saint.
35 Osee, ii. , 14.
3* " Excolebatur autem tunc temporis locus ille raro inhabitatore tantummodo quindecim hospitiis, vepriumque densitate refertus fere per sex millia dilatando arbo- rum nemorosa magnitudine prcestanserat. "
37 John Baptist Gramayus, in "Antiquita- tibus Antverpice, " tells us, that it resembled a cell, and here St. Gerebern for the space of three months led a most angelic life in vigils and prayer.
3^ Their cell was afterwards to be seen in the village, Latinized, Zamiualia, now Zam-
taxat sedibus rusticanis et quidem ob silva- rum densitates ad sex millia passuum dissi- tis et circumseptis villse autem (verba sunt historise) antiquum nomen Gelx erat imposi- tum, a Flavo colore ut apparet, cujus re- gionesundecim ut nunc res sunt, ordine per- curram et quod in singulis rarum aut memo- rabile aimotabo. "—" Antverpiae Antiquita- tes," lib. ii. , cap. x. , p. 141.
3^ Genesis, xv. , xxiv.
33 Henschenius thinks this veneration might have been promoted by the bishops
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Here the all-seeing eye was benignantly directed to the pious exercises and
3^
merits of our holy exiles.
Thus circumstanced, the holy Gerebern and St. Dympna spent many
happy hours, in considering the empty pomp of worldlings, and the wisdom of aspiring to Heavenly rewards. They often reflected, on the pains of Hell, and on the importance of securing their souls' salvation. So far as the con- veniences of their humble dwelling admitted, they fasted, prayed, and passed a great portion of their time, both during the day and night, in devout con- templation. To prepare their souls for these pious practices was a constant object of their solicitude. Strength of human affection was restrained by that chastened spirit, which arises from a true love of God, and from the eliciting of internal penitential desires. Pious exercises engaged their inmost thoughts, and regulated those ordinary relations of life, between the aged priest and his angelic ward. She listened to the words of instruction, that fell from Gere- bern's lips, as if they had been spoken, by the Holy Spirit of light and of truth. Filled with a love of holy chastity, her outward senses never embraced objects dangerously affecting the state of perfection to which she aspired. She felt most anxious, to fulfil all her duties, under the experienced counsel of her saintly director, and her more than father, in paternal interest and tenderness.
