CHAPTER 42: Ceadwalla becomes king[686;cf. Bede, History iv, 16]
CHAPTER 42
Ceadwalla becomes king[686;cf. Bede, History iv, 16]
IN those days when through our bishop’s efforts the Church of God was wonderfully increasing day by day and his own fame was most gloriously shining forth, an exile of noble birth came to him from the desert places of the Weald. His name was Ceadwalla. He earnestly sought our father’s friendship, vowing that if Wilfrid would be his spiritual father and loyal helper he in turn would be an obedient son. This compact, which they called God to witness, was faithfully fulfilled. Our holy bishop helped and supported Ceadwalla in all kinds of ways through his many difficulties until at last he was in a strong enough position to quell his enemies and establish his sway over the whole area of the West Saxons. Wilfrid was then converting the heathens of the South Saxons glorifying the name of God by his labours. Ceadwalla sent for him immediately, humbly summoning to his side the man he venerated as a father and loved above all others, and at once made him supreme counsellor over the whole kingdom; just as Pharaoh, in the words of the prophet, constituted Joseph on his release from prison ‘master of his house so that he might impart wisdom’.
Thus God exalted our bishop through Ceadwalla’s victory and Ceadwalla himself magnificently honoured his father with extensive lands and other gifts both out of natural affection and for the love of God. This new king steadfastly defended his country, preserving it from all harm by peace treaty and by the sword’s edge.