522, or having been rendered through old age unable to dis-
^-t See his additions to Camden, col.
^-t See his additions to Camden, col.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
237, note.
This writer assigns the lagh," p.
xxxiv.
It is supposed, he was thus usual date, A.
D.
519, for the Synod of ranked with the Irish Saints, because he
Brevi.
lived an eremitical life, for some years, at
Inis-angin, in Lough Ree, as would appear from a Life of St. Kieran of Clonmacnois
(Chap. 25). He is supposed to have died, between tlie years 542 and 545.
^^ "
"
adds the Utrecht MS.
'9
Quatuor cubitorum statura erectus,"
^° " Erat enim virsanctus, contemplationi deditus : de temporalibus rebus et seculari-
bus, nisi necessitate urgentiore compulsus,
Cui barbara imperitia Magnum no-
—Giraldus
Dubricius died in the Isle of ^«r^j^ snow-white dove is a circumstance often
"
History noted in the Acts of various saints. Thus, of England," vol. i. , book ii. , note (i), p. at the ordination of St. Sampson, as Cap- 43. Translation by N. Tindal, M. A. His grave relates in his Life of St. Dubricius ;
aut niliil aut parum curans. " Cambrensis, "Vita S. Davidis. "
men adds the Utrecht MS. dederat,"
""
"3 Colgan remarks, that the descent of a
in 522," according to Rapin. See
demise took place on the 14th of November.
St. Daniel was the first bishop of Bangor,
likewise, at the ordination of St. Fabian, Pope, as stated by Eusebius, lib. 6, cap. 22, and by Baronius, at a. d. 238. Again, in
near Anglesea, about A. D. 516, or perhaps
later. He was consecrated by his master, the case of St. Papeus, as related in the
St. Dubritius, Bishop, or as sometimes called Archbishop of LandafF, or Legion- ensis, as we are told, by the Bollandist editor. St. Daniel's feast occurs on the ist of December, according to the English Mar- tyrology, and that of St. Dubritius on the 14th of November, with his translation at the 8th of May. The Martyrology of Tal- laght, Marianus and Maguire, place St. Daniel's festival at the nth of Septeml)er.
Acts of St. Endeus of Arran, at the 21st of
March. See"ActaSanctorumHiberniae,"
i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 29, p. 432. Also, ibid. , xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, cap. xix. , p. 708.
'"' "Juxtaillud : 'Aperi os tuum, et ego
See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of Tal-
'
Non enim vos estis, qui loqua-
adimplebo illud. ' Et alibi :
' Cum
steteritis
ante reges et prsesides, nolite cogitare, quo-
modo aut quid loquamini. Dabitur enim
vobis ilia hora quid loquamini. ' Et subse-
queiiter :
32 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
objections advanced for the prevailing heresy, and admirably refuted them, whilst he proved most convincingly the tenets of Holy Church. He gained
all hearts, by his eloquent and persuasive words, so that the entire multitude gave thanks to the Almighty and to our saint. Meantime, the earth appeared to swell beneath his feet, until the preacher, ascending above the crowd, was
distinctly seen by all present, as if standing upon a high hill. ^s
He preached in so loud, and in so full a voice, that he was heard by all
present ; by those who were near, as well as by those, who were obliged to remain afar. With consent of all prelates, kings and chieftains there, he was named Archbishop of Britain. ^^ To this arrangement he reluctantly assented. The city, in which he was destined to reside, had been raised to the dignity of a Metropolitical see. ^? The date of St. David's elevation to the episcopal dignity has been left very much an open question, for chronographers to determine. ^^ That St. David belonged wholly to the sixth century, is Dr. Lanigan's opinion, he being contemporary with Irish saints of the second order. As for certain biographical writers, who made him a bishop in the fifth century, they are not worth attending to, in the estimation of this learned Doctor.
It hardly falls within our province, to treat on the origin of Menevia ; or rather a removal thither of old Cear-leon see, in the time of David's incum- bency,asratifiedbythecelebratedSynodofBrevy. Theseeventshavebeen illustrated with much accuracy, both by Ussher^s and by StiUingfleet. 3° At the Church of Llan Devi Brevi, a curious inscription was found by Mr. Lluyd, on a stone set over the chancel door. The inhabitants said this com- memorated a person struck dead by St. David, for letting loose a mischievous beaver, after it had been ensnared with difficulty. This inscription was long preserved. Thesextonofthechurchshowedhimararitycalled,Matkornyr
ych bannog or Matkorn ych Dewi, which was said to have been there pre- served from the time of St. David. He added the fable of the oxen called Ychen bannog, which drew away a monstrous beaver dead. 3* Caerleon was then a populous city, whilst Menevia, remotely situated, seemed destined only for solitude, being almost separated from other parts of Britain. 3*
Certain rather modern writers would make St. David a bishop before
A. D. 519, remarks Dr. Lanigan, as this year is assigned for holding the Synod of Brevy,33 in which our saint acted so conspicuous a part, and when the see of Menevia is said to have been declared Metropolitical. This Synod was
mini, sed Spiritus Patris vestri, qui loqnitur Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 31, p. 432.
in vobis. '"—Giraldus Cambrensis' "Vita S. Davidis," Lect. viii.
^5 On the top of this hill a church stood,
at the time the author of the Utrecht MS.
wrote.
Yet, the Bollandists think, St. David imme-
diately succeeded as Archbishop, after the
death of Dubritius, a. d. 522.
'^In his "Britaimicarum Ecclesianim
Antiquitates. "
30 in his "Antiquities of the British
'*
communi omnium tam cleri scilicet quam Churches. "
Giraldus says: "Pater autem David populi, electione pariter et acclamatione, cui 3i
et honorem antea destinatione Dubricius ces- serat, in Kambriae totius archiepiscopum est sublimatus. " Lect. viii.
"7 The account adds : "Ita ut quicumque
in ea prsesideret in posterum Archiproesul haberetur. " See Colgan's "Acta Sancto-
rum Hibernias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sect, xxiii. , pp. 428, 429.
'*
Colgan tells us, that Radulphus de Bal- dock. Bishop of London, in his Chronicle, and a certain anonymous chronicler, belong-
ing to the Church of Menevia, have assigned A. D. Dix. See, also, Rev. John Adams'
his accession to a. d. 561. See ibid. ^ i.
"
If this Matkorn is not the interior part of an ox's horn, as its name imports, it very much resembles it, and is so heavy that it seems absolutely petrified. " Gough's Camden's "Britannia," vol. ii. , p. 527.
3^ Ralph of Chester, in his "Chronicle," lib. i. , cap. 52, states, that by favour of King Arthur, St. David had been allowed to transfer the seat of episcopacy from Car- leon to Menevia.
33 Bale has this statement. Ussher also ""
coincides, in his Index Chronologicus, at
•'
Chronicles of Cornish Saints," V. S. David.
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 2>3
held, about the year 522, according to Gibson. 34 Whilst treating of it, Wilkins does not venture to decide on the time, when this Synod was held. 3S
The place is of insignificant size, at present. 3^ But, there is still better autho- rity for supposing, in Dr. Lanigan's opinion, that St. David did not become bishop, until about 540, a date, which it is thought agrees with accounts appearing most worthy of credit. Ussher, who quotes Ranulph of Chester, says, that David was made Bishop of Menevia, the very year when Pope Silverius died, i. e. , a. d. 540. 37 Even if proceeding from an interpolator, this note is of old standing. The interpolator of Marianus Scotus has the year 543markedforDavid'spromotion. Othershave565,owingtoamistakein not understanding certain chronological terms. 3^ This date is considered quite too late, nor can it be reconciled with any very credible authority, whichrecordstheActsofSt. David. However,sucheracannotbemadeto harmonize with Ussher's hypothesis, which many other writers have followed, of St. David having died in or about a. d. 544. Believing David died about that period, Ussher preferred the date 544 to A. D. 546 given by William of Malmesbury, or a. d. 547, preferred by others, because Giraldus Cambrensis intimates, that David's death happened on a Tuesday. 39 It seems pretty certain, that David governed the Menevian see for several years, although their precise number cannot be ascertained, with any great degree of exact- ness. '*" According to Ussher, calculating from a. d. 462 to a. d. 544, St. David must have died at the age of eighty-two. Now, if he were a bishop for sixty-five years, he should have been consecrated, according to Dr. Lanigan's opinion, when only seventeen years old. No one will admit this early age, as a time suitable for assuming the responsibilities of such an office. '*'^
When the Synod of Brevy had been held, say the Bollandists, the Archi- episcopal see of Wales was established in the City of Carleon, on the Usk, Osk or Isk river. This city also obtained the name Legio. We are told, that Gistilianus, an uncle of St. David, had been a bishop of Carleon. '^^ St. Dubricius then presided over Carleon see, and that of Landaff, having succeeded St. Teliaus, second bishop over this latter diocese. 43 Some writers have supposed, that St. Dubricius, leaving Llandaff and Caerleon to St. Teliaus, had been transferred as Archbishop to Menevia, which he again
resigned to St. David. The Bollandists consider it more probable, that having died a. d.
522, or having been rendered through old age unable to dis-
^-t See his additions to Camden, col. 768.
time, but not against our being allowed to suppose that David died several years later than 544 ; whereas the first of March fell also on Tuesday in the years, 550, 561, 567, 578, 589, 595, 600, &c. Passing by Cressy and other copyists of Ussher, the Bollan- dists, and the minor writers of Lives of Saints, and even the author of L'Art de Veri-
3S See "Concilia Magnas Britannias," Tom. i. , p. 7.
3* " Llandewi brewi," says Leland, " is
but a simple or poor village set among
mountains every way but the west, where is
the Vale of Tyve. I passed over a little
brook to enter into it. The collegiate church
of prebendaries standeth somewhat upon a fier les Dates (at Chronologie des Samts), high ground, but it is rude. " Vol. v. , p.
75. This was founded in honour of St. David, for a precentor and twelve prebends
by Thomas Bek, Bishop of St. David's, A. D. 1 187. See, Tanner's "Notitia Mon- astica," p. 77.
have adopted his computat—ion, as if the question had been decided. " Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, ix. , n. 142, p. 473.
't° Godwin, "De prsesulibus Anglise," ad Episcopos Menevenses, maintains that his episcopacy continued for sixty-five years,
37 In Gale's edition of Ranulph, we do not
find mention made of St. David, See If any foundation for this statement existed,
"
xv. " Le Neve's
it would overturn Ussher's hypothesis.
Scriptores
"
"Ecclesiastical of Ire- History
38
Fasti Ecclesiee
-t' See,
See, canas," p. 510.
Angli-
land," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, ix. , and n.
143, pp. 47o> 472, 473.
*^ See, Winkles's "Cathedral Churches
of England and Wales," vol. iii. , p. 129. C
35 "Now, in the year 544, the first of March fell on Tuesday. This is a good argument against any other year about that
34
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
charge his episcopal duties, Dubricius had left the Church of Llandaflf to be ruled over by Teilaus, and that of Carleon by David. It is supposed, our saint may have thence removed to Menevia, still retaining his archiepiscopal rank and office. Or he may have become Bishop of Menevia, while Dubri- cius yet lived. The latter having died, St. David possibly became Arch- bishop over Cambria, with the approval of his reputed uncle, King Arthur. 4
Having thus successfully defended the cause of Catholic Truth, the dogmas of Faith were announced, authentic seals were attached to those decrees, and St. David was then and there named to the Archbishopric. As the Pelagian heresy was not entirely suppressed, St. David convened another Synod of all the Cambrian clergy at Caerleon,45 which proved so successful, that Pelagianism
"
was exterminated. This Synod was termed the
necessary and useful decrees were passed and afterwards signed by the illustrious Pontiff. He even prescribed the observance of statutes, framed at both of those S3^nods, in the churches and monasteries of Britain. Here, they served to form a rule and code of Christian life, and they were written by the hand of our holy prelate. It is greatly to be regretted, that these decrees have not survived the wreck of many other ancient records. "*?
The good fruits resulting from both these Synods soon became apparent. Churches and Monasteries increased in number and good government. Works of charity and religion extended among the faithful. The holy David seemed like a ruler set by our Lord over the house of Israel. In his learn- ing, discipline and life, he was a perfect example for his flock to follow. With judgment and care, he provided for all necessities of his people. Like, a pious father and revered shepherd, he assisted those subject to him. It would be impossible to enumerate the many virtues, which exalted his character, or those various advantages, procured for his ecclesiastical charge. And in the discharge of those religious duties, his life is said to haVe reached an extraordinary term of duration. *^
As Archbishop, he first resided at Caerleon, upon Usk ;49 but, he soon obtained permission from King Arthur^" to remove his see to Menevia, now
thesauri egregii, tam velustate quam iiicuria, piratarum quoque crebris insultibus, qui de Orcadum insulis aestivo tempore longis navi- bus advecti maritimas Kambrias provincias vastare consueverant, evanuenmt. " Lect. ix.
'•^ " Acta Sanctorum Hi- See, Colgan's
bemias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sect, xxiv. , xxv. , p. 429.
43 At the 9tli of February, John Bollandus has learnedly examined intricacies regarding this period of early British history.
44 " H? ec nos ibi conjectavimus," say the Bollandists, "non ausi fidere Actis S.
secundum in Brevi- quae Synodo
Davidis,
ensi est Archiepiscopus constitutus, cui eum honorem antea destinatione Dubricium ces- sisse. "
49 Xo this place, we are told, as a metro- 45 This Synod is thought to have been political see, the British bishoprics were
Its canons are said to have been "lost by means of the frequent incur- sions of pirates on the coasts of Wales. " See, Rev. John Williams' "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the Cymry," chap, xv. , p. 237, and note 16. Also, Ussher's Chrono-
for a time. " long See,
helil A. D.
529.
subject,
nicon," lib. i. , cap. 52.
logical Index, at A. D. Dxxix. , under which year it is placed. See, Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," p. 528.
4"^ In Wilkins' "Concilia Magnse Britan-
nise et Hibeniise," vol. i. , pp. 8, 9, we have
"
only a very short account, regarding
from the Ninth Lesson of St. David's Life,
in the Isle of Britain : Arthur as sovereign
prince (yn benteyrned) in Caerllenn upon- Usk, and Dewi (David) the head bishop, and Maelgon of Gwynez the chief elder (ben hynain) ; Arthur as sovereign prince at Cel-
Syno-
dus Victorias in Wallia. " This is taken liwig in Cornwall, and Bedwini the head
Cambrensis. The editor incerto," to this notice.
" anno
bishop, and Caradoc with the brawny arm (vreicvras) the chief elder ; Arthur as sove- reign prince at the promontory of Rionyz in
by
prefixes
"
sicut et alii quamplurimi nobilis bibliothecae gern) the head bisliop, and Gwrthmwl
*7 Giraldus says of them :
Quae quidem,
the north, and Cyndeyrn Garthwys (Kenti-
Synod of Victory. 4^ Many
Polychro- so "His nephew," according to Selden's
"
illustrations to Drayton's
The Fourth Song. From a translation of the seventh Historical Triad, we learn, that
the following three were enthroned persons ""
Poly-Olbion. "
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35
St. David's, in Pembrokeshire. ^^ Such permission having been obtained, the change of see was effected. s^ This translation of the Archbishopric is said to have been foretold by Merlin :53 " Menevia shall put on the Pall of Caer- leon ; and the preacher of Ireland shall wax dumb by an infant growing in the womb. " 54
In the Life of St. Kentigern,s5 Bishop of Glasgow, it is sai'd, that certain children of Belial, belonging to King Morken's kindred, had conspired to effect the death of this holy man. Whereupon, having had a Divine admoni- tion, he directed his course towards Menevia, where St. David had already
acquired a great reputation, owing to his distinguished virtues. Near Carleumss St. Kentigern converted many to the faith and built a church. He remained some short time with our saint. This journey is assigned to A. D. 543,57 by Ussher. It is said, he obtained a place for building a monastery from Cathwal, a king in this part of the country. Again, we find it related, that he composed a very elegant and erudite discourse, on the death of St. David, besides leaving other learned works behind him. s^ These, however, the BoUandists considered to have been lost. 59
CHAPTER VI.
OUR SAINT RECEIVES A HEAVENLY ADMONITION REGARDING HIS DEATH—HIS PIOUS RESIGNATION TO THE DIVINE WILL—A FOREKNOWLEDGE OF HIS DECEASE CON- VEYED TO THE PEOPLE OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND—THE LAST HOURS OF ST. DAVID —DISCORDANT DATES REGARDING THE YEAR WHEN HE DIED—HIS EXTRAORDINARY LONGEVITY—OPINIONS OF VARIOUS WRITERS—ST. DAVID DIED AT MENEVIA ON THE FIRST OF MARCH—PUS INTERMENT—LOCAL TRADITIONS—TRANSLATION OF ST. DAVID'S RELICS, IN THE TENTH CENTURY—CANONIZATION BY POPE CALIXTUS II. , IN II20—WELSH CUSTOM OF WEARING THE LEEK ON ST. DAVID'S DAY—FESTIVALS IN HONOUR OF THIS HOLY ARCHBISHOP—OFFICES AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES AP- POINTED.
At last, having attained the extraordinary age of 147 years, the Almighty deemed his days and virtuous acts sufficiently ripe for heavenly rest and re-
sis, m " " ItinerariumCambriae, lib. ii. , cap.
Sharon
vol. 1. , book ii. . chap, v. , pp. 250, 251. In con," lib. i. , cap. 52.
the chief eldev. "
Turner's "History of the Anglo-Saxons,"
Wledig
See,
this same chapter, the reader will find an in-
teresting account, about the renowned King Arthur and his achievements. His history will serve to recall—these noble lines of our
S3 For authority, Alan de Insul. I. , ad Prophet. Merlini, is quoted.
Irish poet, Davis
" Then send out a thunder shout, and every
true man summon,
Till the ground shall echo round from
Severn to Plinlimmon,
Saxon foes, and Cymric brothers,
" Poems," Rulers, p. 43.
S4 "This was performed," we are told, "when St. Patrick, at presence of Melaria, then with child, lost use of his
5'
"
:
suddenly
speech ; but recovering it after some time,
" Cymric Rule and Cymric
S5 gee notices of him, at the 13th of Ja- nuary, and at the 1 3th of November.
s^ Carleon (? )
57 The BoUandists, regarding this as the last year before David's death, think St.
Kentigern might have procured many ac- counts through our saint's own narrative.
From such materials, perhaps, he might have written that obituary discourse, attri- buted to him, after the death of the holy Menevian bishop.
58 Pitseus, Bale, and Leland are cited, as authorities for statements in the text.
Arthur's come again !
Cambria; Metropolites et Primas pi'opterea factus, tantam cum Rege Arthuro gratiam iniit, ut ab urbe Legionum ad suam Meneviam Archiepiscopalem transferret sedem, ut lib. i. , cap. 52 fusius tradit Ra- nulfus Cestriensis. "—Spelman's "Concilia Decreta Leges Constitutiones in Re Eccle- siarum Orbis Britannici," p. 62.
5^ This is certified, by Giraldus Cambren-
4, and by Ralph of Chester in
**
made prediction of Dewy's holiness, joined with greatness, which is so celebrated. Upon
my author's credit only believe me. " Selden's illustrations to Drayton's Olbion. " The Fifth Song.
"
See, Poly-
Polychroni-
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March
ward. He was admonished by an angel about his approaching death, on the viii. of the March Kalends, corresponding with the 22nd of February. His religious brethren had been engaged, reciting the Lauds of their Holy Office,
at an early morning hour, when this angelic voice was heard :
" Behold,
the thou hast desired " The venerable bishop heard
David,
this summons with delight. In a transport of joy, he cried out :
O dismiss Lord,
day approaches !
servant in "^ The monks, who were present, peace !
thy
heardthismiraculouscolloquy; but,notfullyunderstandingitsimport,they fell prostrate on earth. The venerable bishop standing, with his countenance
and thoughts alike raised towards heaven, exclaimed ""
spirit ! In the hearing of his monks, the angel again replied :
Prepare thyself for the Kalends of March, for then Jesus Christ, the King of this world, shall meet thee, and with him will be many thousands of angels. " Sadness filled the hearts of his spiritual children, when they heard this
"
My
How delightfully instructive are the examples left to Christians by God's
saints, especially during those days, when life fast draws towards its closing scenes. Some angelic monition regarding such events appears to have
spread a rumour, not alone through all Britain, but even throughout the whole of Hibernia. The holy men of both islands assembled together, like
flocks of birds flying through air, towards some place of trysting. But, from the moment St. David had heard the angelic warning, to that of his decease, he continued in the church, preaching God's holy word to all the people. ' On that Sunday intervening,3 after an eloquent and impressive sermon, which encouraged and exhorted his audience to persevere in the practice of good works,heconsecratedthebodyofourLordintheHolyEucharist. Having now experienced the last pangs of bodily suffering, and partaken of Holy Viaticum, at the close of a devout office, he calmly said to his brethren : " On Tuesday, the Kalends of March, I will tread the way of my fathers, but you I commend to the guardianship of the Father Almighty, who will strengthen you to persevere in those things learned from me. " The tliird day of the week had dawned, and the crowing of chanticleer aroused the citizens of Menevia from midnight slumber. Delicious odours impregnated the surrounding atmosphere, and angelic choirs filled the air with ravishing harmonies.
Brevi.
lived an eremitical life, for some years, at
Inis-angin, in Lough Ree, as would appear from a Life of St. Kieran of Clonmacnois
(Chap. 25). He is supposed to have died, between tlie years 542 and 545.
^^ "
"
adds the Utrecht MS.
'9
Quatuor cubitorum statura erectus,"
^° " Erat enim virsanctus, contemplationi deditus : de temporalibus rebus et seculari-
bus, nisi necessitate urgentiore compulsus,
Cui barbara imperitia Magnum no-
—Giraldus
Dubricius died in the Isle of ^«r^j^ snow-white dove is a circumstance often
"
History noted in the Acts of various saints. Thus, of England," vol. i. , book ii. , note (i), p. at the ordination of St. Sampson, as Cap- 43. Translation by N. Tindal, M. A. His grave relates in his Life of St. Dubricius ;
aut niliil aut parum curans. " Cambrensis, "Vita S. Davidis. "
men adds the Utrecht MS. dederat,"
""
"3 Colgan remarks, that the descent of a
in 522," according to Rapin. See
demise took place on the 14th of November.
St. Daniel was the first bishop of Bangor,
likewise, at the ordination of St. Fabian, Pope, as stated by Eusebius, lib. 6, cap. 22, and by Baronius, at a. d. 238. Again, in
near Anglesea, about A. D. 516, or perhaps
later. He was consecrated by his master, the case of St. Papeus, as related in the
St. Dubritius, Bishop, or as sometimes called Archbishop of LandafF, or Legion- ensis, as we are told, by the Bollandist editor. St. Daniel's feast occurs on the ist of December, according to the English Mar- tyrology, and that of St. Dubritius on the 14th of November, with his translation at the 8th of May. The Martyrology of Tal- laght, Marianus and Maguire, place St. Daniel's festival at the nth of Septeml)er.
Acts of St. Endeus of Arran, at the 21st of
March. See"ActaSanctorumHiberniae,"
i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 29, p. 432. Also, ibid. , xxi. Martii. Vita S. Endei, cap. xix. , p. 708.
'"' "Juxtaillud : 'Aperi os tuum, et ego
See Rev. Dr. Kelly's "Martyrology of Tal-
'
Non enim vos estis, qui loqua-
adimplebo illud. ' Et alibi :
' Cum
steteritis
ante reges et prsesides, nolite cogitare, quo-
modo aut quid loquamini. Dabitur enim
vobis ilia hora quid loquamini. ' Et subse-
queiiter :
32 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
objections advanced for the prevailing heresy, and admirably refuted them, whilst he proved most convincingly the tenets of Holy Church. He gained
all hearts, by his eloquent and persuasive words, so that the entire multitude gave thanks to the Almighty and to our saint. Meantime, the earth appeared to swell beneath his feet, until the preacher, ascending above the crowd, was
distinctly seen by all present, as if standing upon a high hill. ^s
He preached in so loud, and in so full a voice, that he was heard by all
present ; by those who were near, as well as by those, who were obliged to remain afar. With consent of all prelates, kings and chieftains there, he was named Archbishop of Britain. ^^ To this arrangement he reluctantly assented. The city, in which he was destined to reside, had been raised to the dignity of a Metropolitical see. ^? The date of St. David's elevation to the episcopal dignity has been left very much an open question, for chronographers to determine. ^^ That St. David belonged wholly to the sixth century, is Dr. Lanigan's opinion, he being contemporary with Irish saints of the second order. As for certain biographical writers, who made him a bishop in the fifth century, they are not worth attending to, in the estimation of this learned Doctor.
It hardly falls within our province, to treat on the origin of Menevia ; or rather a removal thither of old Cear-leon see, in the time of David's incum- bency,asratifiedbythecelebratedSynodofBrevy. Theseeventshavebeen illustrated with much accuracy, both by Ussher^s and by StiUingfleet. 3° At the Church of Llan Devi Brevi, a curious inscription was found by Mr. Lluyd, on a stone set over the chancel door. The inhabitants said this com- memorated a person struck dead by St. David, for letting loose a mischievous beaver, after it had been ensnared with difficulty. This inscription was long preserved. Thesextonofthechurchshowedhimararitycalled,Matkornyr
ych bannog or Matkorn ych Dewi, which was said to have been there pre- served from the time of St. David. He added the fable of the oxen called Ychen bannog, which drew away a monstrous beaver dead. 3* Caerleon was then a populous city, whilst Menevia, remotely situated, seemed destined only for solitude, being almost separated from other parts of Britain. 3*
Certain rather modern writers would make St. David a bishop before
A. D. 519, remarks Dr. Lanigan, as this year is assigned for holding the Synod of Brevy,33 in which our saint acted so conspicuous a part, and when the see of Menevia is said to have been declared Metropolitical. This Synod was
mini, sed Spiritus Patris vestri, qui loqnitur Martii. Vita S. Davidis, n. 31, p. 432.
in vobis. '"—Giraldus Cambrensis' "Vita S. Davidis," Lect. viii.
^5 On the top of this hill a church stood,
at the time the author of the Utrecht MS.
wrote.
Yet, the Bollandists think, St. David imme-
diately succeeded as Archbishop, after the
death of Dubritius, a. d. 522.
'^In his "Britaimicarum Ecclesianim
Antiquitates. "
30 in his "Antiquities of the British
'*
communi omnium tam cleri scilicet quam Churches. "
Giraldus says: "Pater autem David populi, electione pariter et acclamatione, cui 3i
et honorem antea destinatione Dubricius ces- serat, in Kambriae totius archiepiscopum est sublimatus. " Lect. viii.
"7 The account adds : "Ita ut quicumque
in ea prsesideret in posterum Archiproesul haberetur. " See Colgan's "Acta Sancto-
rum Hibernias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sect, xxiii. , pp. 428, 429.
'*
Colgan tells us, that Radulphus de Bal- dock. Bishop of London, in his Chronicle, and a certain anonymous chronicler, belong-
ing to the Church of Menevia, have assigned A. D. Dix. See, also, Rev. John Adams'
his accession to a. d. 561. See ibid. ^ i.
"
If this Matkorn is not the interior part of an ox's horn, as its name imports, it very much resembles it, and is so heavy that it seems absolutely petrified. " Gough's Camden's "Britannia," vol. ii. , p. 527.
3^ Ralph of Chester, in his "Chronicle," lib. i. , cap. 52, states, that by favour of King Arthur, St. David had been allowed to transfer the seat of episcopacy from Car- leon to Menevia.
33 Bale has this statement. Ussher also ""
coincides, in his Index Chronologicus, at
•'
Chronicles of Cornish Saints," V. S. David.
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 2>3
held, about the year 522, according to Gibson. 34 Whilst treating of it, Wilkins does not venture to decide on the time, when this Synod was held. 3S
The place is of insignificant size, at present. 3^ But, there is still better autho- rity for supposing, in Dr. Lanigan's opinion, that St. David did not become bishop, until about 540, a date, which it is thought agrees with accounts appearing most worthy of credit. Ussher, who quotes Ranulph of Chester, says, that David was made Bishop of Menevia, the very year when Pope Silverius died, i. e. , a. d. 540. 37 Even if proceeding from an interpolator, this note is of old standing. The interpolator of Marianus Scotus has the year 543markedforDavid'spromotion. Othershave565,owingtoamistakein not understanding certain chronological terms. 3^ This date is considered quite too late, nor can it be reconciled with any very credible authority, whichrecordstheActsofSt. David. However,sucheracannotbemadeto harmonize with Ussher's hypothesis, which many other writers have followed, of St. David having died in or about a. d. 544. Believing David died about that period, Ussher preferred the date 544 to A. D. 546 given by William of Malmesbury, or a. d. 547, preferred by others, because Giraldus Cambrensis intimates, that David's death happened on a Tuesday. 39 It seems pretty certain, that David governed the Menevian see for several years, although their precise number cannot be ascertained, with any great degree of exact- ness. '*" According to Ussher, calculating from a. d. 462 to a. d. 544, St. David must have died at the age of eighty-two. Now, if he were a bishop for sixty-five years, he should have been consecrated, according to Dr. Lanigan's opinion, when only seventeen years old. No one will admit this early age, as a time suitable for assuming the responsibilities of such an office. '*'^
When the Synod of Brevy had been held, say the Bollandists, the Archi- episcopal see of Wales was established in the City of Carleon, on the Usk, Osk or Isk river. This city also obtained the name Legio. We are told, that Gistilianus, an uncle of St. David, had been a bishop of Carleon. '^^ St. Dubricius then presided over Carleon see, and that of Landaff, having succeeded St. Teliaus, second bishop over this latter diocese. 43 Some writers have supposed, that St. Dubricius, leaving Llandaff and Caerleon to St. Teliaus, had been transferred as Archbishop to Menevia, which he again
resigned to St. David. The Bollandists consider it more probable, that having died a. d.
522, or having been rendered through old age unable to dis-
^-t See his additions to Camden, col. 768.
time, but not against our being allowed to suppose that David died several years later than 544 ; whereas the first of March fell also on Tuesday in the years, 550, 561, 567, 578, 589, 595, 600, &c. Passing by Cressy and other copyists of Ussher, the Bollan- dists, and the minor writers of Lives of Saints, and even the author of L'Art de Veri-
3S See "Concilia Magnas Britannias," Tom. i. , p. 7.
3* " Llandewi brewi," says Leland, " is
but a simple or poor village set among
mountains every way but the west, where is
the Vale of Tyve. I passed over a little
brook to enter into it. The collegiate church
of prebendaries standeth somewhat upon a fier les Dates (at Chronologie des Samts), high ground, but it is rude. " Vol. v. , p.
75. This was founded in honour of St. David, for a precentor and twelve prebends
by Thomas Bek, Bishop of St. David's, A. D. 1 187. See, Tanner's "Notitia Mon- astica," p. 77.
have adopted his computat—ion, as if the question had been decided. " Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, ix. , n. 142, p. 473.
't° Godwin, "De prsesulibus Anglise," ad Episcopos Menevenses, maintains that his episcopacy continued for sixty-five years,
37 In Gale's edition of Ranulph, we do not
find mention made of St. David, See If any foundation for this statement existed,
"
xv. " Le Neve's
it would overturn Ussher's hypothesis.
Scriptores
"
"Ecclesiastical of Ire- History
38
Fasti Ecclesiee
-t' See,
See, canas," p. 510.
Angli-
land," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, ix. , and n.
143, pp. 47o> 472, 473.
*^ See, Winkles's "Cathedral Churches
of England and Wales," vol. iii. , p. 129. C
35 "Now, in the year 544, the first of March fell on Tuesday. This is a good argument against any other year about that
34
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March i.
charge his episcopal duties, Dubricius had left the Church of Llandaflf to be ruled over by Teilaus, and that of Carleon by David. It is supposed, our saint may have thence removed to Menevia, still retaining his archiepiscopal rank and office. Or he may have become Bishop of Menevia, while Dubri- cius yet lived. The latter having died, St. David possibly became Arch- bishop over Cambria, with the approval of his reputed uncle, King Arthur. 4
Having thus successfully defended the cause of Catholic Truth, the dogmas of Faith were announced, authentic seals were attached to those decrees, and St. David was then and there named to the Archbishopric. As the Pelagian heresy was not entirely suppressed, St. David convened another Synod of all the Cambrian clergy at Caerleon,45 which proved so successful, that Pelagianism
"
was exterminated. This Synod was termed the
necessary and useful decrees were passed and afterwards signed by the illustrious Pontiff. He even prescribed the observance of statutes, framed at both of those S3^nods, in the churches and monasteries of Britain. Here, they served to form a rule and code of Christian life, and they were written by the hand of our holy prelate. It is greatly to be regretted, that these decrees have not survived the wreck of many other ancient records. "*?
The good fruits resulting from both these Synods soon became apparent. Churches and Monasteries increased in number and good government. Works of charity and religion extended among the faithful. The holy David seemed like a ruler set by our Lord over the house of Israel. In his learn- ing, discipline and life, he was a perfect example for his flock to follow. With judgment and care, he provided for all necessities of his people. Like, a pious father and revered shepherd, he assisted those subject to him. It would be impossible to enumerate the many virtues, which exalted his character, or those various advantages, procured for his ecclesiastical charge. And in the discharge of those religious duties, his life is said to haVe reached an extraordinary term of duration. *^
As Archbishop, he first resided at Caerleon, upon Usk ;49 but, he soon obtained permission from King Arthur^" to remove his see to Menevia, now
thesauri egregii, tam velustate quam iiicuria, piratarum quoque crebris insultibus, qui de Orcadum insulis aestivo tempore longis navi- bus advecti maritimas Kambrias provincias vastare consueverant, evanuenmt. " Lect. ix.
'•^ " Acta Sanctorum Hi- See, Colgan's
bemias," i. Martii. Vita S. Davidis, sect, xxiv. , xxv. , p. 429.
43 At the 9tli of February, John Bollandus has learnedly examined intricacies regarding this period of early British history.
44 " H? ec nos ibi conjectavimus," say the Bollandists, "non ausi fidere Actis S.
secundum in Brevi- quae Synodo
Davidis,
ensi est Archiepiscopus constitutus, cui eum honorem antea destinatione Dubricium ces- sisse. "
49 Xo this place, we are told, as a metro- 45 This Synod is thought to have been political see, the British bishoprics were
Its canons are said to have been "lost by means of the frequent incur- sions of pirates on the coasts of Wales. " See, Rev. John Williams' "Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the Cymry," chap, xv. , p. 237, and note 16. Also, Ussher's Chrono-
for a time. " long See,
helil A. D.
529.
subject,
nicon," lib. i. , cap. 52.
logical Index, at A. D. Dxxix. , under which year it is placed. See, Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," p. 528.
4"^ In Wilkins' "Concilia Magnse Britan-
nise et Hibeniise," vol. i. , pp. 8, 9, we have
"
only a very short account, regarding
from the Ninth Lesson of St. David's Life,
in the Isle of Britain : Arthur as sovereign
prince (yn benteyrned) in Caerllenn upon- Usk, and Dewi (David) the head bishop, and Maelgon of Gwynez the chief elder (ben hynain) ; Arthur as sovereign prince at Cel-
Syno-
dus Victorias in Wallia. " This is taken liwig in Cornwall, and Bedwini the head
Cambrensis. The editor incerto," to this notice.
" anno
bishop, and Caradoc with the brawny arm (vreicvras) the chief elder ; Arthur as sove- reign prince at the promontory of Rionyz in
by
prefixes
"
sicut et alii quamplurimi nobilis bibliothecae gern) the head bisliop, and Gwrthmwl
*7 Giraldus says of them :
Quae quidem,
the north, and Cyndeyrn Garthwys (Kenti-
Synod of Victory. 4^ Many
Polychro- so "His nephew," according to Selden's
"
illustrations to Drayton's
The Fourth Song. From a translation of the seventh Historical Triad, we learn, that
the following three were enthroned persons ""
Poly-Olbion. "
March i. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35
St. David's, in Pembrokeshire. ^^ Such permission having been obtained, the change of see was effected. s^ This translation of the Archbishopric is said to have been foretold by Merlin :53 " Menevia shall put on the Pall of Caer- leon ; and the preacher of Ireland shall wax dumb by an infant growing in the womb. " 54
In the Life of St. Kentigern,s5 Bishop of Glasgow, it is sai'd, that certain children of Belial, belonging to King Morken's kindred, had conspired to effect the death of this holy man. Whereupon, having had a Divine admoni- tion, he directed his course towards Menevia, where St. David had already
acquired a great reputation, owing to his distinguished virtues. Near Carleumss St. Kentigern converted many to the faith and built a church. He remained some short time with our saint. This journey is assigned to A. D. 543,57 by Ussher. It is said, he obtained a place for building a monastery from Cathwal, a king in this part of the country. Again, we find it related, that he composed a very elegant and erudite discourse, on the death of St. David, besides leaving other learned works behind him. s^ These, however, the BoUandists considered to have been lost. 59
CHAPTER VI.
OUR SAINT RECEIVES A HEAVENLY ADMONITION REGARDING HIS DEATH—HIS PIOUS RESIGNATION TO THE DIVINE WILL—A FOREKNOWLEDGE OF HIS DECEASE CON- VEYED TO THE PEOPLE OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND—THE LAST HOURS OF ST. DAVID —DISCORDANT DATES REGARDING THE YEAR WHEN HE DIED—HIS EXTRAORDINARY LONGEVITY—OPINIONS OF VARIOUS WRITERS—ST. DAVID DIED AT MENEVIA ON THE FIRST OF MARCH—PUS INTERMENT—LOCAL TRADITIONS—TRANSLATION OF ST. DAVID'S RELICS, IN THE TENTH CENTURY—CANONIZATION BY POPE CALIXTUS II. , IN II20—WELSH CUSTOM OF WEARING THE LEEK ON ST. DAVID'S DAY—FESTIVALS IN HONOUR OF THIS HOLY ARCHBISHOP—OFFICES AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES AP- POINTED.
At last, having attained the extraordinary age of 147 years, the Almighty deemed his days and virtuous acts sufficiently ripe for heavenly rest and re-
sis, m " " ItinerariumCambriae, lib. ii. , cap.
Sharon
vol. 1. , book ii. . chap, v. , pp. 250, 251. In con," lib. i. , cap. 52.
the chief eldev. "
Turner's "History of the Anglo-Saxons,"
Wledig
See,
this same chapter, the reader will find an in-
teresting account, about the renowned King Arthur and his achievements. His history will serve to recall—these noble lines of our
S3 For authority, Alan de Insul. I. , ad Prophet. Merlini, is quoted.
Irish poet, Davis
" Then send out a thunder shout, and every
true man summon,
Till the ground shall echo round from
Severn to Plinlimmon,
Saxon foes, and Cymric brothers,
" Poems," Rulers, p. 43.
S4 "This was performed," we are told, "when St. Patrick, at presence of Melaria, then with child, lost use of his
5'
"
:
suddenly
speech ; but recovering it after some time,
" Cymric Rule and Cymric
S5 gee notices of him, at the 13th of Ja- nuary, and at the 1 3th of November.
s^ Carleon (? )
57 The BoUandists, regarding this as the last year before David's death, think St.
Kentigern might have procured many ac- counts through our saint's own narrative.
From such materials, perhaps, he might have written that obituary discourse, attri- buted to him, after the death of the holy Menevian bishop.
58 Pitseus, Bale, and Leland are cited, as authorities for statements in the text.
Arthur's come again !
Cambria; Metropolites et Primas pi'opterea factus, tantam cum Rege Arthuro gratiam iniit, ut ab urbe Legionum ad suam Meneviam Archiepiscopalem transferret sedem, ut lib. i. , cap. 52 fusius tradit Ra- nulfus Cestriensis. "—Spelman's "Concilia Decreta Leges Constitutiones in Re Eccle- siarum Orbis Britannici," p. 62.
5^ This is certified, by Giraldus Cambren-
4, and by Ralph of Chester in
**
made prediction of Dewy's holiness, joined with greatness, which is so celebrated. Upon
my author's credit only believe me. " Selden's illustrations to Drayton's Olbion. " The Fifth Song.
"
See, Poly-
Polychroni-
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March
ward. He was admonished by an angel about his approaching death, on the viii. of the March Kalends, corresponding with the 22nd of February. His religious brethren had been engaged, reciting the Lauds of their Holy Office,
at an early morning hour, when this angelic voice was heard :
" Behold,
the thou hast desired " The venerable bishop heard
David,
this summons with delight. In a transport of joy, he cried out :
O dismiss Lord,
day approaches !
servant in "^ The monks, who were present, peace !
thy
heardthismiraculouscolloquy; but,notfullyunderstandingitsimport,they fell prostrate on earth. The venerable bishop standing, with his countenance
and thoughts alike raised towards heaven, exclaimed ""
spirit ! In the hearing of his monks, the angel again replied :
Prepare thyself for the Kalends of March, for then Jesus Christ, the King of this world, shall meet thee, and with him will be many thousands of angels. " Sadness filled the hearts of his spiritual children, when they heard this
"
My
How delightfully instructive are the examples left to Christians by God's
saints, especially during those days, when life fast draws towards its closing scenes. Some angelic monition regarding such events appears to have
spread a rumour, not alone through all Britain, but even throughout the whole of Hibernia. The holy men of both islands assembled together, like
flocks of birds flying through air, towards some place of trysting. But, from the moment St. David had heard the angelic warning, to that of his decease, he continued in the church, preaching God's holy word to all the people. ' On that Sunday intervening,3 after an eloquent and impressive sermon, which encouraged and exhorted his audience to persevere in the practice of good works,heconsecratedthebodyofourLordintheHolyEucharist. Having now experienced the last pangs of bodily suffering, and partaken of Holy Viaticum, at the close of a devout office, he calmly said to his brethren : " On Tuesday, the Kalends of March, I will tread the way of my fathers, but you I commend to the guardianship of the Father Almighty, who will strengthen you to persevere in those things learned from me. " The tliird day of the week had dawned, and the crowing of chanticleer aroused the citizens of Menevia from midnight slumber. Delicious odours impregnated the surrounding atmosphere, and angelic choirs filled the air with ravishing harmonies.
