Augustine in His Own Words
The Bishop 119 regard for a short time, then it was rudely broken, and I am not allowed time for the work I wish to do. Both morning and afternoon I am enmeshed in people's affairs. I beg you and I enjoin you by Christ to allow me to lay some of the burdens of my duties on this young man, that is, the presbyter Eraclius, whom I designate today in the name of Christ to succeed me as bishop."
A shout was raised by the people: "We give thanks for your decision!"—said twenty-six times.
(6) When silence was restored, Bishop Augustine said: "I give thanks before the Lord our God to your charity and kindness; I give thanks for it. Therefore, my brethren, whatever is now referred to me, let it be referred to him. When my advice is needed, I will not refuse it. God forbid that I should withdraw my help. However, what has been referred to me up to now, let it be referred to him. Let him either consult me if he does not discover what he ought to do or call on the help of one whom he knows as a father, so that you may suffer no loss and, if God gives me even a little time, that I may at length busy myself with the holy Scriptures, and, as far as He permits and grants it, that I may not spend the little remnant of my life in idleness or give myself over to laziness. This will be advantageous to Eraclius, and through him to you. Let no one, then, begrudge me my leisure, because my leisure implies great labor.61 I see that I have paid my debt in full by transacting with you the matter for which I invited you to be here. I ask this one last favor: that those of you who are able would please sign these official records. I need your assent to this, show me some agreement by your acclaim."
A shout was raised by the people: "So be it, so be it!"—said twenty-five times; "It is right and just!"—said twenty-eight times; "So be it, so be it!"—said fourteen times; "Long worthy, long deserving!"—said twenty-five times; "We give thanks for your decision!"—said thirteen times; "Hear us, O Christ! Protect Eraclius!"—said eighteen times.
(7) When silence was restored, Bishop Augustine said: "It is well that we are able to transact the affairs of God about the time of His sacrifice. In that hour of our prayer I especially recommend your Charity to lay aside all your interests and occupations and pour forth prayer to the Lord for this church, for me, and for the presbyter Eraclius."62
Vandal Invasion
In his last days, Augustine watched the wholesale collapse of his world. Possidius here recounts the brutal Vandal invasion of North Africa and the siege of Hippo. From Possidius of Calama, Life of St. Augustine:
61. Note the wordplay, both an oxymoron (leisure as labor) and a rhyme: "leisure" (otium) rhyming with "labor" (negotium).
62. Ep. 213.1–7 (CSEL 57:372–79); trans. Parsons, FOTC 32:52–57.