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PAULINUS
also preached the Word to the province of Lindsey, which is the first on the
south side of the river H umber, stretching as far as the sea; and he first
converted to the Lord the reeve of the city of Lincoln, whose name was Blaecca,
with his whole house. He likewise built, in that city, a stone church of
beautiful workmanship; the roof of which has either fallen through long
neglect, or been thrown down by enemies, but the walls are still to be seen
standing, and every year miraculous cures are wrought in that place, for the
benefit of those who have faith to seek them. In that church, when Justus had
departed to Christ, Paulinus consecrated Honorius bishop in his stead, as will
be hereafter mentioned in its proper place. A certain priest and abbot of the
monastery of Peartaneu,(Partney in Lincolnshire)a man of singular veracity,
whose name was Deda, told me concerning the faith of this province that an old
man had informed him that he himself had been baptized at noon-day, by Bishop
Paulinus, in the presence of King Edwin, and with him a great multitude of the
people, in the river Trent, near the city, which in the English tongue is
called Tiouulfingacaestir; and he was also wont to describe the person of the
same Paulinus, saying that he was tall of stature, stooping somewhat, his hair
black, his visage thin, his nose slender and aquiline, his aspect both
venerable and awe-inspiring. He had also with him in the ministry, James, the
deacon, a man of zeal and great fame in Christ and in the church, who lived
even to our days.
It is told that there was then such perfect peace in Britain,
wheresoever the dominion of King Edwin extended, that, as is still proverbially
said, a woman with her new-born babe might walk throughout the island, from sea
to sea, without receiving any harm. That king took such care for the good of
his nation, that in several places where he had seen clear springs near the
highways, he caused stakes to be fixed, with copper drinking-vessels hanging on
them, for the refreshment of travellers; nor durst any man touch them for any
other purpose than that for which they were designed, either through the great
dread they had of the king, or for the affection which they bore him. His dignity
was so great throughout his dominions, that not only were his banners borne
before him in battle, but even in time of peace, when he rode about his cities,
townships, or provinces, with his thegns, the standard-bearer was always wont
to go before him. Also, when he walked anywhere along the streets, that sort of
banner which the Romans call Tufa, and the English, Thuuf, was in like manner
borne before him.
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