CHAPTER 63: [Last instructions – 709]
CHAPTER 63
[Last instructions – 709]
To the great joy of his subjects our saintly master lived to enjoy another eighteen months of perfect tranquillity. He spent the time putting to rights all those affairs that had badly needed settling. Shortly before that memorable final day he summoned two of his abbots and six of his most faithful friends to Ripon. He bade the treasurer open the diocesan coffers and set out all the gold, silver, and precious stones in front of them in four separate piles. Wilfrid himself decided into which pile each object should go. The official quickly laid out the treasure and then Wilfrid addressed his trusty witnesses:
‘Dearly beloved, I would have you know that it has long been my intention, God willing, to return to Rome to end my days in the See which has so often solved my difficulties for me. I had thought to take one of these four piles with me as an offering to the churches, particularly to the church dedicated to the Mother of the Lord and to offer gifts to St Paul’s for the welfare of my soul. But, as happens to old people, God has disposed otherwise. Death is overtaking me here. So I am now giving orders to you, my faithful companions, to send messengers with the treasure to the churches I have just mentioned. Of the three remaining parts one is to be given to the poor of my diocese for the repose of my soul, the second is to go to the abbots of Hexham and Ripon so that they might have something in hand wherewith to secure the favour of the kings and bishops, the third is for those who laboured with me in my long exile and whom I have not already rewarded with lands or estates. Share it out between them according to their needs so that they will be able to maintain themselves after I am gone.’
He paused a while, then continued.
‘Take note, brethren, that I appoint the priest Tatberht here present, as abbot of Ripon. He is my kinsman and has been my inseparable companion up to now. While I live we will rule jointly; when I die he will be in sole command. I want you to be quite clear on that point. I am making these decrees now so that, when the Archangel Michael comes to fetch me, he may find me prepared. For the signs of death are crowding thick about me.’