CHAPTER 55: Wilfrid is ordered to return home and brings back the holy relics [704]
CHAPTER 55
Wilfrid is ordered to return home and brings back the holy relics [704]
AFTER several months of almost daily examination and close questioning Wilfrid emerged completely exonerated. His case was won. His one wish now was to remain permanently in the Holy City and there end his days, crucifying himself to the world (as St Paul said) in his old age; but he had promised humble obedience to the pope and synod and they both ordered him to leave for home. Now that his long period of affliction had been brought to an end by complete acquittal from every charge both particular and general, they bade him return to present the findings in writing to the kings and archbishops, to soothe his subjects’ grief and give his friends cause for rejoicing. Our holy bishop knew how to obey. He went round the shrines of the saints with his companions making a collection of relics, each labelled with the saint’s name, and he bought purple cloth and silk vestments to decorate his churches. Then, with the blessing of the saints upon him, he made his way homewards by paths rough and smooth, over mountain and plain, till after a long journey he reached the Kingdom of Gaul.