THE ADMIRABLE LIFE OF S. WINIFRED, VIRGIN, MARTYR, Abbess, & Patroness of Wales.  
Permissu Superiorum Anno 1635. 〈…〉    

THE ADMIRABLE LIFE OF SAINT WINIFRED Virgin, Martyr, Abbess.  
Written in Latin above 100L. years ago, by ROBERT, Monk and Prior of Shrewsbury, of the Ven. Order of S. BENEDICT.  
Divided into two Books.  
And now translated into English, out of a very ancient and authentical Manuscript, for the edification and comfort of Catholics.  
By I. F. of the Society of JESUS.  
Her memory is worthily honoured among Men, whose Soul is passed to the joys of Angels. S. Max. hom. in S. Euseb.  
Permissu Superiorun M.DC XXXV.   

Noble and Princely Ladies, have made You a Stranger to Wales for the greatest part of your life; yet your Marriage since, with a chief Gentleman of that Country, and many Children borne there (living parts of yourself, as that great Prince of Philosophers calleth them) may worthily make me repute you S. Wenefrides' Countrywoman.  
Your singular Devotion beside, to that renowned Saint, and great Patroness of WALES▪ which lately caused you (as I have heard) to measure, with no few Attendants of friends and servants about you, the whole length of that Country, to visit the devout & memorable Plac● of her Martyrdom, added to that former Respect, and a constant desire withal in myself, to honour, in what I may, & serve you; have powerfully prevailed, & moved 〈◊〉 to present this translated Life of that glorious VIRGIN, ABBESS and MARTYR, especially unto you.  
Who as a bright morningstar ceaseth not even now, to shine, in her own known Graces, and daily Honours done by devout people unto her; when as other Stars, in this late darkness, overwhelming our Country, are quite vanished out of living men's sights: I mean, innumerable Men, and Women of Wales, very conspicuous in times past, for their admired Sanctity, and honoured in Churches dedicated particularly unto them, are now utterly forgotten, and never again, as known Saints, to be honoured by us, until in glory we shall lie Light hath scarcely ever been obscured, in your own, or your Husband's ancient Families.  
A rare Happiness in these times, and to few Houses of Noble note, so graciously afforded by the Author of all Graces, whereby, their earthly Worth, hath with heavenly Graces been happily matched; and are so eminently now graced, by Your own particular Virtues, as S. Wen fried will gladly accepe such a Patroness of heart Life printed, who so holily imitateth the same, as it was acted by her. Wherein her Blessed Intercession hath already, and will I doubt not, perseverantly assist you, by obtaining of her Divine Spouse, Temporal Blessings, and Eternal Graces, for you and yours; which I daily wish, and heartily pray for, as your ever devoted friend, and servant,  
In Christ JESUS, I. F.   

THE TRANSLATOURS' PREFACE TO HIS READER.  
AMongst many people Apostolically converted to the Faith of Christ, the Britan's or ancient Inhabitants of England, are undoubtedly to be numbered, as Origen 4. in Ezechielem, Tertullian contra judaeos, Dorotheus in his Synopsis, Theodoret, and others have expressly affirmed, besides many home proofs, and pregnant testimonies of that their so timely conversion. Which primitive Faith of theirs having been, by a continual mixture of Romans, and other Infidels living amongst them, and persecuting them for the same, exceedingly decayed; was again cultivated by Fugatius, and Damianus Apostolical Preachers, sent for that purpose by Pope Elutherius unto them, the very next age after the Apostles.  
Since which time albeit they lost to the Saxons, the greatest, & fruitefullest part of their Country, and were enforced to betake themselves to the mountainous places of Wales (as now it is called) and Cornwall; yet have they still until this last age, unalteredly maintained their primitive Faith, and Religion, as in the first two Chapters of the Protestants Apology for the Roman Church, written by that learned man M. Brerely, is most clearly proved, & demonstrated.  
And to recompense perhaps, their Constancy therein, and sufferings for it, they were blessed from time to time with great numbers of Saints, flourishing amongst them; so as many Parishes in Wales and Cornwall, retain no other names at this day, than such as anciently they received from holy Men and Women living in them. Amongst all which no one was for sanctity & miraculous testimonies thereof, more than S. Winifred famously renowned; and her Monuments now after a general vastation of Monasteries, and Saints memories in our Country, remain undefaced, and no less glorious in Wales and England, then S. Catherines' Tomb on Mount Sinai, amongst fierce Mahometans and Paynims, is strangely, yet conserved.  
And as the Sepulchre of that renowned Saint, is by faithful people in those Eastern parts of the world Religiously visited: so in like manner do multitudes of holy Pilgrims frequently now resort unto the place of S. Wenefrids' martyrdom, & wonder to see such a flood of Crystal pure Watenr gushing there at once, out of the Earth, and a most sumptuous Chapel standing yet over it. So that the three Fountains near Rome, which issued miraculously out of the ground, where S. Paul was martyred, are not by much so curiously with building covered.  
Moreover, the waters of this holy Well, seem to have in them more than natural virtues, by giving a musky, and most delightful sweetness to the green moss growing on the walls of this stately enclosure, and colouring all the stones which lie in the bottom thereof, with spots, as it were, of pure blood, in them strangely appearing. Many miracles also have been done heretofore to manifest the sanctity of this place; which because they have not been by depositions of persons sworn, and public Instruments authentically approved, I forbear here further to mention, then as my Author doth afterwards recount them; and will only say, that this Venerable and Costly monument, is the more to be admired, for that it standeth in so hilly, poor, and barten a Country, which hath scarcely any thing, but this fair building remarkable in it, exactly therefore drawn out by M. Speed in his Table of Flintshyre, and in his Comment historically declared; yet with this tale ridiculously added, that Catholics visiting the Well, do really believe the redness of the stones to be the Martyrs very blood, and the Moss growing therein her hair, like to one of Ovid's Metamorphosing Fables.  
The Life of this Noble Virgin and Martyr, was diligently and authentically gathered (as himself in his Prologue professeth) by Robertus Salopiensis, a learned Monk and Prior of Shrewsbury, of the holy order of S. Benedict, living in King Stephen's time, & for his great sincerity, by Cardinal Baronius, Surius, Capgrave, Pits, Possevinus, and others, worthily commended. Whose book copied truly out of an old authentical Manuscript, I have here in sense faithfully translated, and done no otherwise in altering the Author's old phrases, scarcely expressible in good English, then as if I had stripped some body out of Welsh course freeze, and put him into a suit of English plain Karesay.  
And if the matter of the Book, containing in it sundry strange and miraculous passages, shall seem ridiculous to Protestants chancing to read them, it is not much to be wondered at, sithence they will be their own choosers, even in the very belief of sacred Verities themselves, divinely revealed; and sleight, as fabulous Legends, the lives of Saints, written by S. Athanasius, S. Ambrose, S. Hierome, S. Climachus, S. Gregory, and other holy Fathers.  
It sufficed my Author, and so it shall me, that devout Catholics for whose instruction and comfort he penned first his History, will piously and probably assent to that, which here is credibly proposed unto them, avoiding two extremes therein; the one is of believing things overlightly, & the other of believing nothing at all but as fancies, and selfe-opinions do guide them. The which, in Sectaries following commonly this latter extreme in their judgement of Catholic writings, is a kind of Infidelity, and Impiety mixed together: for if God be wonderful in his Saints (as the Royal Prophet telleth us, Psal. 67.) and Christ in his Ascension towards heaven did so expressly promise, that these signs should follow such as did believe in him, In my name (said he) they shall cast out Devils, they shall speak with new tongues etc. why should we upon probable testimonies refuse to believe, such wonders to have been done by Saints, as divine testifications of their true Faith, and great graces here obtained?  
The sacred body of this Virginal Blessed Saint, was solemnly translated to Shrewsbury in this Author's time in the year of our Lord 1138. and reign of K. Stephen, and there, in his own Abbey magnificently interred, that greater honour and veneration, in so populous, and Religious a City (as that was then) might be yielded unto it; where it continued, for above 400. years, till Heresy prevailed utterly to overthrow in our Country the public profession of Catholic Religion, and deface the Venerable monuments thereof every where almost then extant. In which common ruin & calamity happening, the shrine of this great Saint with numbers of others became sacrilegiously defaced, and her sacred Relics lie since dispersed God knoweth where or how, until by his omnipotency, they shall come to be united again, & most gloriously raised, For God (saith the same holy Prophet Psal. 33.) doth conserve all the bones of his servants: and it hath increased I doubt not their joys accidental in heaven, to have had here on earth for his sake, their Relics by the Church's enemies, and haters of true Religion contemptuously abused, after due Reverence yielded by devout people unto them, and singular blessings received from Almighty God by their powerful intercession.  
Neither have modern Sectaries showed in any one act more, the little Communion, which they have in this world, or are likely to have in the other, with the Saints of Christ's Church, then in contemning, scattering, and destroying their Relics, of which in general S. Ambrose writeth thus, Serm. 93. de Sanctis Nazario & Celso. If thou ask me what I honour in their flesh and bones now dissolved and consumed? I honour in the Martyr's flesh, the scars of those wounds, which for Christ he sustained; I honour the memory of his virtue still living; I honour in his ashes the seeds of Eternity; I honour the body that taught me to love Christ, and not to fear the cruelest death for him. Why should not faithful souls honour that body, which Devils tremble at? etc. quod Christum honoravit in gladio, quod cum Christo regnabit in caelo: that body, I say, which honoured Christ in the sword, and which shall reign with him in Heaven. These (saith S. Basill speaking of the 40. Martyr's Relics) are those who protect our Country, and like strong Towers guard us from our enemies.  
Wherefore I may use, of such as scattered, and destroyed the holy relics of S. Winifred, and many other Saints in our Country, S. Gregory Nazianzens words in his first Oration against julian the Apostata; Thou hast not reverenced the Hosts slain for Christ, whose bodies, yea very drops of their blood, or other small signs of their passions, can work the same effects which their souls themselves can do; to wit such sudden cures of infirmities and diseases, as S. Austin lib. 22. de Civitate Dei cap. 8. affirmeth by S. Stephen's Relics, as they passed through Africa towards Rome, to have been done in his presence: which Protestants will as little believe, as they do the miraculous passages of S. Winifred recounted in this History, amongst whom there is no one so strange, but the like may be found in other Saints lives, by holy & ancient Fathers authentically written; and in some of them far more strange: which piously read, & probably believed by faithful souls for 1400. years since, cannot but temerariously be rejected now, and contemned by Protestants; whose corrupt judgement, as I regard not in this my translation: so I hope good Catholics will read it with edification and comfort. For it may well delight them, as it doth me, to think that we have anciently had such store of renowned Saints living in our Country, as, besides this life, D. Harpsfeld, the English martyrologue, prudential Balance, M. Broughton, and other ancienter historians do witness, though the Names, and lives of the greatest part of them are only in the book of life registered, and will in the general judgement be gloriously revealed.  
That S. Winifred likewise, should live again, after her head cut off, and do the things which here are written of her in her History (the chief block which incredulous Readers perhaps will stumble at) is no more hard to be believed, then that Lazarus after he had been dead, and stinking in his grave, should live again, sit at table with Christ, and be Bishop of Marsills in France many years after. And if it be objected that Christ himself, did work that miracle, able to do all things: I may well answer, that he promised his own power, and far greater wonders than himself had wrought, to be done by his servants, extant now in authentical Histories as certainly since performed.  
Lastly, I entreat my courteous Reader, for a Conclusion of this my Preface, to note & mend with his pen, these ensuing errors of my Translation, committed in the printing by strangers, wholly ignorant of our English tongue.   

Faults escaped in the Printing.  

PAg. 24. lin. 7. deal that  
Pag. 45. lin. 9 where read which  
Pag. 75. lin. 1. as read or  
Pag. 82. lin. 9 their read his  
Pag. 88 lin. 5. deal so  
Pag. 94. lin. ult. his read this  
Pag. 103. lin. 11. deal most  
Pag. 109. lin. 16. saying read said  
Pag. 119. lin. ult. noble Virginity, read Martyrdom for your Virginity.  
Pag. 120. lin. 1. deal of your Martyrdom.  
Pag. 121. lin. 14. deal he  
Pag. 128. lin. 5. Charity read Clarity  
Pag. 146. lin. 16. in, read in a sudden  
Pag. 148. lin. 14. and to be, deal to  
Pag. 165. lin. 3. fall read fell  
Pag. 173. lin. 10. Wales, read that Country.  
Pag. 204. lin. 7. streams read stream  
Pag. 225. lin. 2. hath read had  
Pag. 251. lin. 9 was read he was  
Pag. 269. lin. ult. little read so little.    

The Prayer, and Sequence of S. Winifred, taken forth of the ancient Missal of England, according to the use of SARUM.  

Oratio.  
OMnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui beatam Wenefredam Virginitatis praemio decorasti: fac nos quaesumus eius pia intercessione, mundi huius blandimenta postponere, & cum ipsa perennis gloriae sedem obtinere. Per Dominum nostrum etc.   

The Prayer.  
ALmighty and everlasting God, who hast adorned Blessed Winifred with the reward of Virginity; grant us we beseech thee, through her poius intercession, to set afide the delights of this world, and obtain with her, the throne of everlasting glory. Through our Lord jesus Christ etc.   

SEQVENTIA.  

VIrgo vernans velut Rosa,  
Agni Sponsa speciosa,  
Martyr Christi pretiosa,  
Wenefreda floruit.   

Ex Britannis oriunda,  
Fide firma, spe iocunda,  
Actu sancta, ment munda,  
Mundi mendâ caruit.   

Hanc occidit Carodocus,  
Quem mox sorbet Orci focus,  
Qui pravorum extat locus,  
Quo Sathan exuitur.   

Huius argumento rei,  
Fons ebullit nutu Dei,  
Rubricatae speciei,  
Quo caput praeciditur.   

Mira multa hic patrantur,  
Caeci vident, muti fantur,  
Morbi omnes effugantur.  
Cum fide petentium.   

Gloriosa Wenefreda,  
Maris fluctus nobis seda,  
Ne fiamus hosti praeda,  
Pia fer praesidium▪ Amen.    

The same in old English.  

As a sweet Rose in pleasant spring,  
Of heavenly Lamb Spouse lovely fair  
And Martyr dear of Christ our King  
S. Wenefrede did flourish here.   

Descended well of British race,  
In Faith now firm, and Hope secure,  
With works Holy, and Soul in Grace,  
From worldly filth persevered pure.   

This sacred Maid did Cradocke kill,  
And him Hell swallowed presently,  
Where tears in vain do run down still  
And Satan burns incessantly.   

A Token sure of this strange thing,  
Bespotted all with bloody red,  
A Well by God's command doth spring  
Where Tyrant fierce cut off her head.   

here wonders great God's hand doth work  
The blind do see, the dumb do speak,  
Diseases which in bodies lurk  
Are cured, when Faith is not weak.   

O glorious Virgin Wenefrede,  
To us the raging sea appease,  
And free us so from Satan's dread  
That he on us may never seize. Amen.     

THE AUTHORS OWN PROLOGUE TO THE LIFE OF S. WINIFRED.  
To the right Reverend Father, Guarinus Prior of Worcester, Robert, his spiritual Son, Prior also unworthy of Shrewsbury, wisheth Grace to walk uprightly in the way of God's Commandments.  
SINCE he who hath received the least talon at God's hands, is bound charitably to employ the same, in the service of him who freely bestowed it, and to the good of such as may be edified and benefitted spiritually by it; not hiding the same under a bushel, or reserving it to himself alone, which will become the more his own by being charitably communicated to others in a holy imitation of our Redeemers bounties, and graces upon us universally bestowed: I have justly feared, out of this respect, to conceal from others, united in the same band of Christian Faith, and Charity with me, and particularly from your Venerable self, much respected by me, the Collection which I have lately made of the Blessed Virgin S. Wenefrides' life: the reading whereof, will, I doubt not, help much to increase and perfect heavenly piety, and love eminently already, and exemplarly to many shining in You; delighted also to dilate the glory of God, & his Saints by works like to this, which you have by frequent letters, and earnest entreaties required of me.  
I have gathered the same, partly from the Ancient, and undoubted Monuments of such Monasteries, and Churches as this Blessed Virgin is known to have lived in, and partly from the relation of sundry Ancient Priests, for their great learning sanctity of life, and Religious profession, made Venerable, & worthy of all credit, in their assertions, and depositions unto me.  
Three causes have moved me to publish the true knowledge of this Saint's life, so by me attained unto. The first, was a wholesome fear (as I have said) to be reproved by my Eternal judge, for hiding under ground, and not employing profitably as I ought the talon which he hath lent me. The second, was my especial love, and devotion to this most renowned Virgin and Martyr of our Country, that by her sanctity, and great merits here by me declared, she might by faithful souls be the more devoutly honoured, served, and prayed unto. The third, was a particular desire which I have charitably had to edify my own Brethren, humbly in their devotions, and instantly entreating this labour of me.  
As for S. Wenefrides' pretended journey to Rome, and other particulars vulgarly only, and by persons of no credit fabulously reported, I have wholly omitted them; and for borne likewise to set down some other certain, and undoubted relations, concerning her life, because I would not be tedious, and over-large in my manner of writing: this which I have here gathered being sufficient, in my opinion, and yours also I hope, to declare the eminent sanctity and graces of this most sacred Virgin, by whose powerful intercession, and your holy prayers, I hope to receive, at her heavenly spouses' hands, some small reward of my labours, and pains in this work undertaken.   

THE FIRST BOOK, containing the History of S. Wenefrids' Life.  

CHAPTER I.  
Of S. Beuno his great sanctity; how he was inspired by God to go to S. Wenefrids' Father; how liberally he was entertained by him, and had his only child commended for her Education unto him.  
IN the Western part of great Britanny, called Wales, conjoined Eastwards in the same continent, with England, and rounded on all other sides with Severne, and the Ocean, flourished in times past innumerable Saints men and women of singular sanctity and merit, as their several Shrines, and stately Monuments yet remaining do testify; amongst who me, in King Eluith the second his time, one S. Beuno was for his wonderful graces especially renowned; who having, out of a holy desire to imitate the poverty of his heavenly Lord, and to become a true Pilgrim here on earth, forsaken his own Country, and trodden under foot such glorious pomps, and pleasures of the world as he might at home have enjoyed, made himself first a Monk, and soon after arrived to such perfection and sanctity of life, that he became a common Father of Religious persons.  
For no sooner had he built a Church and Monastery in one place, and settled there in regular discipline and great purity of life, a certain number of Religion's persons, but he traveled to another part of the Country, to do there the like also, as Gods holy spirit for the benefit of many, peculiarly directed him; so that at length he entered into the territory of a rich, & potent Lord called Thevith son to a chief Counsellor of the King, & a principal governor of the Country, who equalled his Illustrious birth, by his Noble, Religious, & exemplar demeanours.  
When Venerable Beuno came to this Lord's house, he was most respectfully by him entertained, and after charitable salutations passed between them, the Saint told him, that he was sent by God to erect a Church in his Territory, as he had done in other places: and I doubt not (said he) but that God hath by a very fervent and peculiar inspiration, drawn me hither from his other servants, with whom I lived else where with great content, to perform some great good particularly for you, and yours. Wherefore for his divine Majesty's service, I humbly entreat a small part of your ample inheritance, to raise therein a Church, where others with myself will daily pray for your safety.  
The Noble man moved with the Saints Venerable aspect and speeches, resolved forthwith, to grant what he asked, and yielded this wise answer unto him: With good reason, holy Father, am I bound to give you a part of what Lands I possess, for the service of him, who gave all unto me: and I conceive indeed that you have pleasured me much, in ask this Charity of me, more profitable to myself, then to you. Wherefore this very Manor which now I live in, I do from this time forward wholly alienate from myself and all mine, yielding the possession, & all right thereof most gladly unto you: and having no more than one child, a tender Virgin, the greatest delight indeed, and worldly joy of my hart, I will beside bequeath her to your holy instructions, and prayers, that her life may be holy, and her conversation such, as may be pleasing to God, and contentful to me also.  
And having put the Saint in possession of the place, and promised moreover to help him in the building by him intended, for a convenient abode of God's Religious children and servants, he chose afterwards a place for himself to dwell in, upon a high hill over against it, that when he could not enjoy the holy man's presence, he might a far of look at least towards him, and recreate himself often in the day, by being with him holily and continually employed in the service of God, spiritually conjoined.   

CHAP. II.  
How S. Wenefrides' Parents did help the Saint in building his Monastery; become also with their Daughter his devout Auditors and obedient children: How likewise S. Winifred upon hearing S. Beuno's exhortations, resolved to leave the world, and conserve her virginity, entreating him to move also her Parents thereunto.  
When the Saint began to build his Church and monastery the Lord Thevith did not fail with means liberally to further it; vouchsafing also many times to put his own hands to this holy work for the example of others, and the sooner to finish it, as a thing by him for the glory of God, and good of his own school, exceedingly desired. So as the Church was no sooner raised, and made fit for the holy man to preach, and offer the divine Sacrifice in, but himself with his Wife and Winifred his Daughter, were daily and devoutly present, at such holy exercises, he observing still this Custom to place his Child at the Saints feet whilst he preached, willing her to be attentive to his speeches. Which became not fruitless in her soul, holily even then in her tender years, and graciously prepared fervently to practise in her life, such heavenly documents as from the Saints mouth she continually learned. And her delight in hearing him was such, as with leave of her Parents she often visited him alone by herself, to be enriched the more, with a profitable, and practical knowledge of divine verities from him.  
And albeit her Parents, as their most gracious and only child, dear affected her, and had placed (after a worldly manner) the only hope of their posterity in her, by resolving with an ample dowry to marry her in due time, to some Noble and chief person of the in this doubtful conflict, between humane & divine love passing in her thoughts, the powerful illuminator, and best Director of holy souls interiorly suggested this counsel unto her, that by Saint Beuno, whose holy speeches had occasioned this pious resolution first in her hart firmly then rooted, to propose it unto her Parents, whose power and authority she wisely knew to be very great with them, by reason they honoured him much, and in all things he said, gladly obeyed him. Wherefore one day finding him alone, after his manner holily retired, she humbly and boldly manifested her purpose thus unto him.  
Holy Father, I come here to make known unto you the holy fruits of your speeches, and Gods graces together in my Soul, whereby I have been effectually, and (I hope) happily moved to estrange myself wholly from Worldly contentments, and to consecrate my Virginity purely to him, who liberally gave me the being I have, and hath hitherto conserved this enriching Treasure graciously in me; Humbly beseeching you, to obtain for me, my Parents good leave and permission so to continue. The Saint forthwith as beyond all expression delighted to know that the seeds of divine grace sown by his speeches, were beginning to grow so happily in her, willingly undertook to obtain of her Parents what she desired through the confidence which he had in their singular piety towards God, & readiness to do what his divine Majesty would have them.   

CHAP. III.  
S. Beuno proposeth S. Wenefrides' desire to her Parents, obtaineth their grant therein; they give away in alms her intended dowry, & joy to see rare beginnings of future sanctity, and solid virtues in their Daughter.  
THe holy man, a powerful Orator with them who as Children reverently respected, and desired to obey him, in a heavenly language imparted unto them S. Wenefrids' desires, and made them withal capable to know, that it would be no ordinary act of their due love to God, gladly and freely to dedicate to his service what in this world was dearest unto them. Their answer unto him, with tears of joy and praising of Christ for his graces afforded, so singularly, to their child, was no other than a full, and free leave given to S. Winifred of forsaking the world to serve her heavenly Spouse, who by so high and holy a vocation, had called her unto him.  
And so wishing her a happy progress therein, they resolved also to draw out of the same this benefit to themselues, that giving away to the poor, her ample dowry for a secular marriage by them prepared, and distributing in holy uses beside, a very great part of their own princely wealth and possessions as troublesome unto them, and (with poverty delighted) due to the king of heaven, who by espousing their Child was grown to be heir as it were unto them; they might run more lightly the way of his commandments, & in a holy freedom from worldly solicitudes spend, & end the remainder of their life in gaining to themselves heavenly treasures eternally to enrich them: wherein they became animated afterwards by the rare example of their daughter's virtues; who over-ioyed at first with their leave so obtained, and freed from former fears of worldly entanglements, daily extended herself to courses of sanctity and perfection by frequent and fervent practices of humility, and punctual obedience to her holy Father, permitted by her Parents freely unto her.  
So as now a corner near his Cell where she might frequently visit him, and delightfully draw, through her ears to her soul, the vital breath of his heavenly discourses, was in the day time her delightfullest mansion: and watching whole nights in the Church, kneeling or prostrate before the Altar, when extreme weariness and deadly sleep did not possess her, was to be as in her spouses' bedchamber, raised by amorous thoughts of his wonderful Perfections, and rapt with pure delights, freshly every day communicated unto her. So as to hear him only named caused a jubilee in her soul, by blushing and tears to such as beheld her sweetly discovered.  
And as internal gifts did wonderfully adorn her; so were not external graces wanting unto her: for her face was matchless in beauty and by a rare modesty exceedingly graced. Her speech was sweet, never but leisurely and wisely uttered. The comely stature likewise and proportion of her body in all parts thereof, though poorly clad served to grace her in the eyes of others; so as the Devil emulating those high beginnings of sanctity in her, and fearing withal what her example might work in time, for the drawing of others to like courses of Perfection, he ceased not to lay many snares to entrap her, and with new temptations raised by others for her greater merit & glory at last, incessantly to try her; the beginning of which shall in my next Chapter be declared.   

CHAP. IU.  
How S. Winifred was found alone by the King's son in her Father's house; and in danger to have been violated by him, escaped towards the Church, and was in the way cruelly beheaded for constantly refusing to yield her pure body unto him.  
S. Beuno having fully ended the fabric of his Church, and consecrated the same to Christ, was daily visited by great multitudes of such as dwelled in places near him; & amongst them S. Winefreds' holy Parents, never failed in his sacrifices and sermons to hear him; so as on a sunday whilst they were in the Church, & their daughter by some needful, or charitable occasion, contrary to her custom, detained at home, Prince Cradocus, king Alan his son, with a lustful wicked purpose entered the house, pretending that he came to speak with the Lord Thevith her Father.  
The Holy Maid, suspecting no worse of him at first, after courteous salutations passed between them, and excuses by her humbly made, of being alone, unattired, and unable in her Parent's absence fitly to entertain him as his Princely dignity required, entreated him with all, to repose himself in a more convenient room of the house, till after divine service ended, her Father should return, and be free to speak with him. To which simple candour and plainness of her speeches gracefully uttered, the Prince infuriated with love of her fair person, and lustful desires presently to enjoy her, replied, that he would willingly expect the return of her Parents, if herself in mean time would be pleased to consent unto his will, so devoted unto her that for the favour then expected from her, he would according to his Birth, and Power, ever afterwards be ready to honour and serve her: threatening withal, presently to ravish her, if she yielded not willingly to his motion.  
The holy Virgin though trembling for fear, & blushing at the immodesty of his speeches, yet lost not her wits in so needful an occasion; but present with herself, & divinely also at that instant assisted, she humbly and patiently answered him, that she doubted not of enjoying honour, wealth, and worldly contentment by being espoused to so Princely a person: but because (said she) the present poor attire wherein you have so on the sudden taken me, suiteth not to so high a motion, or indeed beseemeth your presence, give me leave, I beseech you, to enter my chamber here by, presently to alter it.  
To which her request (albeit with some loathness to be delayed in his purpose) he yielded his consent: so that she now finding herself in her chamber, freed out of his hands, and hopeless of any rescue or succour to be otherwise afforded her, ran out by a back way, as fast as she could, towards the Church, where her Father and his people would, she doubted not, be able to save her. But he impatient in his desires, and suspecting indeed that which happened, broke into the room, and finding her not there, pursued her so hastily in her flight, as on a hill side near the Church he furiously apprehended her, vowing with his sword drawn in his hand, & a countenance full of wrathful indignation that if forthwith she consented not to his will, so full of honourable love towards her, he would strike of that head from her body, & deform that face therein, which formerly he had loved.  
Whereunto the holy Virgin (as another. S. Agnes to her carnal Lover) undauntedly replied, that she had holily espoused herself, & that also with her Parent's consent, to the king of Heaven's son, in power, beauty, and goodness incomparably exceeding him; and upon his experienced love towards her, she would ever remain to him so faithfully, constantly, and unalteredly devoted in the affections of her hart, as she would gladly lose her head and life, for refusing to admit any corrival together with him. Neither shall your terrors (said she) or threats draw me from the sweetness of his Love, or make me not go, as I have promised, purely unto him.  
Whereupon he, in a furious scorn to be slighted so by her, & knowing withal that whilst she lived the vehemency of his love could not be assuaged, gave her with his sword so deadly a stroke on the neck, as her head thereby and body became instantly parted; the body falling without the Church door, and the head within it; so as the floor thereof being somewhat declining, as built in the hanging of a hill, it tumbled towards the people, kneeling together before the Altar, astonishing them with the sight thereof no less, the afterwards it made them worthily to wonder, in seeing a clear and plentiful spring newly then beginning to run out of the ground in the same place, where her head had first fallen upon; visited since that time by holy pilgrims from places far & near, and by miraculous graces, and cures frequently afforded to sickly, and grieved persons, famously renowned.   

CHAP. V.  
The lamentations made at S. Wenefrids' death, aswell by the people as by her Parents; how likewise S. Beuno procured by his prayers a dreadful revenge of her death upon the Author thereof glorying in his cruelty: and then putting the head & body together, sought to obtain of God, her return to life again.  
THE people moved with so doleful a spectacle, as was the virgin's head, blood, and body, before them, ceased not with outcries to express their grief and anger together towards him that committed so heinous an outrage. Her Parents likewise called by their cries to the place, lamented the loss of their holy sweet child, lying butchered so villainously, and unexpectedly before them, with more than imaginable expressions of sorrow.  
S. Beuno in like manner, now ready to celebrate, leaving the altar, and approachinge to the door, was wholly dissolved into tears of compassion and grief to behold his dear Pupil and child, lying so cruelly murdered, before her consecration to Christ, solemnly soon after by him intended: and beholding in this his grief, her Murderer standing proudly by, & wiping his bloody sword on the grass, so far from repenting him of the deed, without fear of God or man, as he gloried proudly therein, with the holy virgin's head in his hand he went towards him; and looking him in the face, said unto him.  
Thou wicked man, for as much, as without regard of innocency or beauty, thou hast murdered a Princely Virgin, no less noble than thyself, and art not, as thou oughtest to be, sorry aswell for the horrible sacrilege, as foul murder here committed detestably by thee; I do here beseech, my heavenly Lord, for the example of others at least, to execute presently, his dreadful judgement against thee who hast murdered his spouse, troubled his people, violated his Sabbath, and besprinkled with blood this holy House, to his honour and service consecrated by me.  
And the effect of his words, to the terror and wonder of all present, was such, as the Prince fell dead sudaynely before him; and which increased the astonishment of the people, his dead body was presently either swallowed up by the earth, or taken away by Devils, so as no sign thereof afterwards appeared.  
This done, S. Beuno often kissing the virgins dead face, and bathing it with his tears, put it to her body, & covering them with his cloak, after he had breathed in her mouth, prepared himself to go to the Altar, warning the people and her Parents especially, to cease their lamentations, & convert them into prayers to the Creator of souls, & the sole raiser of bodies after death, that he would be mercifully pleased, as he called Lazarus to a new life rotten before, and stinking in his grave; so to raise this Princely Spouse here butchered for her love towards him: and this chiefly for the glory of himself, edification of his people, and comfort of her parents, who so freely before had dedicated her, in purity of life perpetually to serve him.   

CHAP. VI  
How S. Winifred was raised from death to life, and her Head reunited to her body by S. Beuno's prayers, with a small white circle remaining in the place of her Neck where it was cut; & other wonders gracing still the place of her Martyrdom.  
AFter the holy man had ended his Mass, and the people their prayers, lifting up his hands towards heaven, he prayed in this manner: O Lord jesus-christ, for whose sake this holy Virgin contemned the world, and coveted heavenly things; vouchsafe by the tender bowels of thy mercy, love, and bounty, to grant us the effect of our vows now made, & prayers offered here humbly unto thee: and albeit we are fully persuaded, that this Godly Virgin who lived holily, & died constantly for thee, be now highly exalted in heaven also with thee, wanting no more the society of us mortal & miserable Creatures; yet to manifest thine Omnipotency, and that supreme dominion which thou hast over souls and bodies, never dead to thy power of raising & reuniting them; for the greater merit also of her soul, whose body here lieth before us, we crave a new life for her, and that she may return, after a long & plentiful harvest, of new merits here gained, more enriched & divinely beautified unto thee, the beloved of her Hart, and Eternal spouse, who with the Father and the holy Ghost, dost rule in earth, and reign in heaven, for ever and ever.  
And when the people had cried with great devotion, Amen unto his prayer, the Virgin as newly wakened from sleep, wiped her eyes & face, besmeared with sweat and dust before, as having tumbled on the ground, filling all present, and her Parents there amongst them, with joy and admiration; observing also, as they more fixedly beheld her, a pure white circle, no bigger than a small thread, to remain in her fair Neck, showing the place where it had been cut off before, and was miraculously then to her body conjoined; which because it ever afterwards remained conspicuously seen after the same manner, Brewa, her name before, is said to have been changed by the people's great veneration, and love towards her, into Winifred by Wen, which doth signify white in the old British tongue, added unto it, & 2. letters thereof, for better sound quite altered. And in many apparitions of her to men, and women after her second corporal death, authentically recounted, this white Circle in her neck conspicuously appeared; to give worldly souls thereby to understand, the particular glory which she had received of her heavenly spouse for suffering that wound, so constantly for him.  
And whereas the valley where she was martyred, had been called ever before a dry or barren bottom, it was for the Crystal fountain of pure waters, breaking miraculously out of the ground where her head first fell, called afterwards in memory of this miracle, Finhon, which in old Welsh doth signify a fountain or well: & indeed as this fountain was wonderful in the first origen thereof, so did the same by miraculous cures of men & beasts, either bathed in that water, or drinking thereof, become famously afterwards, renowned.  
In memory likewise, that store of the Virgins pure blood had been spilt in that place, and to signify withal how sweet a Sacrifice was offered there by her; the stones of the Well, are either died, or spotted all over with drops, as it were, of blood; and the moss growing about it, is, as with musk yet to this day sweetly perfumed.  
The miracle of her raising from death to life diwlged in those parts, gained to S. Beuno so great a fame of his singular sanctity, and power with God to obtain any thing, that multitudes thereupon of Gentil people in those days, for their instruction in the Christian faith and Baptism, repaired unto him: whose famous acts, and S. Wenefrids' holy life after her being raised, shall in the rest of this book be briefly declared.   

CHAP. VII.  
How S. Winifred was solemnly veiled by S. Beuno, and fully instructed in the true knowledge & holy practice of a Religious life. How likewise he took his leave afterwards of her, prophetically foretelling the sanctity of her life, and her gaining to Christ of many souls.  
S. Winifred, as another Lazarus restored to a new life, with a fresh fervour of heavenly love and devotion, applied herself to learn from so great a master as S. Beuno was, how to raise her already-illuminated soul to the height of Religious Perfection, choosing for that purpose to sit at the Saints feet, as S. Mary Magdalen did at the feet of our Saviour, never satiated with the delicacies, which fell from that heavenly Table unto her, by his most pious speeches, and devout instructions; & within a small time out a restless and most amorous desire, fully to be what an height of sanctity & perfection the spirit of God, for the glory of himself & good of others, intended to raise her, sought more and more to illuminate her soul by heavenly documents, & practical lessons, for the direction of herself, & others in a spiritual and Religious life; which she as a very apt scholar did not only learn, but practise also in such a manner, that the Saint was overioyed to behold her.  
And finally finding her fully enabled not only to guide herself, but others also, in courses of Perfection, he called her Parents one day unto him, and told them, that as they had liberally granted unto him a Church, and house for the service of God, and help of his servants: so had his divine Majesty liberally requited their Charity towards him, by singular graces afforded to them, and especially to their Child, whom now they might well choose, and propose unto themselves, as a Mistress able to guide them in their Redeemers service, and as a bright shining pattern of religious Perfection. Wherefore being divinely called to another place, I must here (said he) leave you to the helps of Heavenly Graces, which will not be wanting unto you, persisting as now you do holily in God's service, and to the careful direction of your Daughter.  
And then, converting himself to S. Winifred: Our Lord (said he) dear Child, hath appointed you to succeed me here in my holy labours, and abiding in these parts, to go onwards happily yourself, & to guide others fruitfully, in the way to eternal life, as hitherto I have taught you. And doubt not, but by the moving example of your death for him already sustained, and the holy conversation of your life, you willbe able to perform what I have said; and in this very place, gather together for your heavenly spouse, many pure and devout Virgins, guided unto him holily by you.  
But know withal, that you shall not here end your days, but that after seven years, in prayer and penance spent in this place, to your own great Merit, & singular edification of others, our gracious Lord will call you to another, that strangers also may in the knowledge and true service of him be illuminated by you: and know also that hereby your memory shall become glorious in future ages, and your merits published to the whole world, by miraculous cures, & helps afforded unto sickly, and distressed persons praying unto you.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Wherein is declared S. Wenefrides' grief for her Holy Father's departure, and his comfortable speeches unto her, concerning particular Graces intended by God towards herself, and others by her.  
THe Godly Virgin being excessively grieved at her holy Father's departure, he to comfort her in so deep an affliction, took her by the right hand, and lead her to the fountain which miraculously had risen in the time, & place of her martyrdom, & sitting together upon a stone near to the side of the well, called therefore to this day S. Beuno's stone: You see (said he) here the monument of your sufferings, and behold also the stones therein stained as with your blood, shed for your Heavenly Spouses sake; be you therefore now attentive, and mindful of what I shall foretell you concerning three especial ter my departure now from you, into a remote part of this ●land, God will give me a Cell near the sea shore, & when you would send any letters, or tokens unto me (as his divine Majesty would have you to do, and I also do entreat the same of you once at least every year) cast them only in the stream of this fountain, and they will, passing into the Ocean by many creeks, and turning-shores, be divinely, & safely directed unto me: which graces likewise to the world's end shall be diwlged gloriously of you.  
And having ended this his speech, he led her back again unto the Church, and said then unto her: Behold here this Church, & lodgings about it, which having been built by the charitable magnificence of your parents, and my labours, I leave unto you, to be converted into a copious monastery of chaste, & Devout Virgins, who moved by your instruction, & holy example of life, shall together with yourself, meritoriously practise those heavenly documents, which, by a perfect contempt of the world, and a full abnegation of themselues (the two main grounds of Religious perfection) I have often delivered by my speeches unto you.  
Stupendious miracles also done for the temporal & eternal good of many, repairing to this very place, shall hereafter be effected, to the praise of their heavenly Maker, and even bruit beasts shall not want their share in such blessings; strive therefore, dear Child to exhibit yourself in all things, as a lively pattern, and example to others of all Virtue. As for my poor self, I shall go whither God's spirit will guide me, & ever retain in my hart and soul, a Fatherly and loving memory of you.  
presence, always edified by your example, & instructed by your speeches. Which words of hers, together with her flowing tears so moved the Saint himself, as also her loving Parents, and others that were present, as not to have their own sorrow, by staying longer with her, increased, after he had blessed her with his hand, (as having no tongue through grief to speak a word more unto her) hastened his pace faster than modesty would permit her to follow him, until at length he was gone quite out of her sight, never more in this world to behold him; so that returning with her companions homeward, for many days after she remained in her sorrow, till time at length, & discreet thoughts having eased her hart, she wisely and maturely, began to reflect upon his heavenly discourses and lessons formerly given unto her, both how she might practise them herself, and draw others also to the exercise thereof.  
Which in a short time, God's grace and the force of her holy Example, did so happily effect, that a great number of Noble and devout Virgins, trampling worldly wealth, Honours & pleasures under their feet, for the glory and service of Christ, betook themselves to her government, & lived in religious discipline holily under her; commanding or teaching them nothing but what herself practised first amongst them, as a shining clear Light, in safe paths of sanctity, to guide them; yea with such a sweet mildness, & motherly love towards them, that with equal merit, and contentment they obeyed her commands, and observed such rules as she had established amongst them.  
Her wholesome advices also they received as heavenly oracles; & such remedies as in their difficulties, & temptations she wisely & compassionably gave them, had a heavenly kind of force presently to free them. Mi- she dwelled, but far and near against her will, began to be so diwlged, from very remoteplaces of the kingdom; so as many flocked to see, & speak with her, and were so edified by her Angelical behaviour, & wise speeches unto them, that they were very loath to leave her company, and accounted those people blessed who lived, always near her.  
But most of all the holy Virgins that were placed under her care, & domestical government, reputed themselves happy, by having for their Guide, no less tender a Mother in her dear love towards them, than a wise mistress by instruction and example holily to direct them, as her holy Father had formerly taught her; towards whom during her life, she ever retained a most grateful memory of her present life, and a thousand blessings beside received from him. In particular also she forgot not the yearly token she had promised to send him.  
Wherefore partly with her own hands, and partly by the help of her sisters, she had embroidered a fair vestement to send unto him, and having in the beginning of the month of May, almost a year after his departure, finished the same, wrapping it up in a woollen cloth, she went with her sisters, & many others to the welsside, where casting it into the water, she said; O holy Father I send here according to your command & my promise, this small token of my love unto you.  
The which, to the great wonder of many viewing the same, as it passed by the well stream down into the River, and so into the sea, remained dry, and no whit moistened by the water: So that in a short time, being divinely directed, it was cast on the shore 50. miles off hard by the Monastery, where the holy man lived, and he casually going forth took it up, wondering at first what it should be, till at length opening the bundle   

CHAP. XI.  
Of the great Talents which Christ gave unto S. Winifred for the good of others; and how she yearly remembered to send her token to S. Beuno, until, to her great grief, she had his holy end revealed unto her; soon after which, she changed the place of her abode, as he had foretold her.  
ALbeit many Graces were worthily admired in his holy Virgin, by those who knew, and conversed with her, as her high & lasting union with God in extaticall prayer, her great austerity, her Angelical purity and innocency of life, her powerful authority in commanding her subjects, with admirable humility and sweetness conjoined; yet nothing was more wonderful in her, than the deep knowledge of heavenly verityes, and ardentzeale of her Creators' glory, still manifested in her exhortations to her own subjects, & speeches to strangers that came to visit her; so as she did fill their hearts more with inflamed desires to serve Almighty God, than their ears with the sound of her words: ever attributing the graces of her soul first to Christ, & next to S. Beuno his Great servant and her Teacher, to whom she every year sent her promised token, or present after the manner aforesaid, until his holy death, and circumstances thereof were revealed unto her; whose loss she frequently afterwards deplored, albeit she had been divinely assured, that according to his wonderful merits here on earth, he was in heavenly joys, highly exalted: the particulars of whose holy life from his Childhood till his death, and great miracles afterwards, are authentically recorded in his yet extant and certain monuments.  
After whose glorious disease, she began to feel most perfect desires in her- that place, in a devout memory of her martyrdom there for him sustained; the which effect of her prayer was by his divine Majesty accordingly granted as hath been testified since by numberless miracles wrought at that Well, or Fountain, in curing the bodily & spiritual infirmities of all humble Clients and suppliants in that place unto her.   

CHAP. XII.  
How S. Wenefrid was directed by God in her journey to a holy man called Deifer, whose Counsel she was willed to follow: of whom many things are by the Author occasionally here recounted; and how worthy he was to be chosen by God, for S. Wenefrides' Director in the place of S. Beuno.  
S. Winifred having in earnest prayer recommended her journey to God, was inspired to go with her companion, to one Deifer a holy Man, living at Botavar, who should further direct her. This man was indeed, for his Sanctity in those days, & miraculous testimonies thereof, famously renowned; for by his prayers he had raised out of the ground a goodly spring in a place that was dry before, & obtained likewise of God, that the water thereof should have a supernatural force to cure all sores & diseases of such as did drink thereof, or wash their sores therewith.  
And amongst many miracles beside recounted of him whilst he lived, this one performed after his death is especially renowned, to wit, of two thieves who having stolen two horses out of his Churchyard, posted with them most speedily out of the Country: but the next day the owners finding them gone, humbly prostrated themselves before the Saints Altar, and presented thereat two Candles for the purposely here recounted, that my Reader may know the merits & great sanctity of blessed Deifer, to whom S. Winifred, for the knowledge of her journey, was divinely directed.   

CHAP. XIII.  
How S. Winifred came to the Holy man Deifer, and after she had been charitably welcomed, and entertained by him for one night, she was the next morning sent, for a further direction, to another Saint called Saturnus, dwelling at Henthlant.  
THe holy Virgin after due inquiry made, where the Village Botavar stood, and of her way unto it, committing to God her Monastery at Finhon, and friends there about, began with her companion cheerfully her journey towards Blessed Deifers Cell, eight miles distant; where at her arrival, she was by the Saint charitably welcomed; and having related the cause of her coming, and how she had been divinely in her prayer, directed unto him, he told her that concerning either herself, or her journey, God had not as then revealed any thing unto him: But have patience (said he) a little this night, to stay here at my cell, and his divine majesty the whilst will vouchsafe perchance to reveal his holy pleasure unto me.  
Whereunto she humbly and thankfully agreed, as being confidently assured, that Almighty God had not vainly, and to no purpose, directed her unto him.  
The Saint, as his manner was, praying the whole night, a heavenly voice towards the morning saying thus unto him; Tell Wene-   

CHAP. XIV.  
How Saturnus entertained S. Winifred in his Cell, and telling her, how much God should be honoured by her, he directed her to a holy place called Guitherin, where she should find one Elerius, a Blessed Abbot of religious men to direct her, and a monastery of chaste Virgins, who would gladly submit themselves unto her.  
S. Winifred much rejoicing at the direction which Blessed Deifer had given her, and confirmed in her comfortable persuasion that Christ the Author of her journey, would not in his care and protection be wanting unto her, humbly and thanckfully took her leave of him, and went on forwards with her companion towards Henthlant where Saturnus remained.  
Coming thither she was most charitably received by him, as having been, concerning herself and her journey, before hand divinely instructed; and causing her to remain that night in prayer, and holy conferences with him, he gave unto her (to her great comfort) many heavenly & holy lessons, and towards the morning he told her, that their was a place, not far off called Guitherin, stored with the precious relics of many Saints who had formerly lived there, in great holiness of life, and dearness unto God, blessing the place for them; and for that cause greatly reverenced by devout people repairing unto it. This place (said he) is destined by God for your earthly habitation, and to be sanctified more by you; where also you shall find a holy Abbot called Elerius, of so great mortification, prayer, & union with God, as the world, and all contentments thereof are wholly dead unto him.  
To this Man then am I willed to send you, and to tell you with all, that you shall find there a heavenly tranquillity of mind, and a Monastery of chaste Virgins, trained up from their Infancy in virtue, living also now holily together, yet ordained by God to be raised by your holy Example and Instructions to higher and perfecter ways of gaining sanctity and religious perfection; and they will in time, for that end, humbly and gladly be ready to submit themselves unto you, as to a Mother and Abbess, sent by their Heavenly spouse purposely unto them.   

CHAP. XV.  
How S. Winifred going to Elerius, was in the way, saluted most charitably by him; how also after they had spent a whole night in prayer together, she was led by him to the monastery of Virgins, and there after high praises uttered of her, she was commended as a companion divinely sent unto them.  
S. Winifred replenished with incredible joy at Saturnus speeches unto her, especially in hearing how holy a place she was going unto, and that she should find there a Monastery of chaste virgins to live withal, desired to know of him the way thitherward, craving withal his holy blessing for the better speed of her journey.  
The Holy man, guiding her himself some part of the way, for the great reverence he bore towards her, after he had given her his blessing, caused his Deacon to accompany her throughout the whole journey to Elerius, who being divinely forewarned of her coming, and all other particulars of her life, met her for honour's sake upon the way, and after he had led her into the Church, and prayed a while with her, he embraced her in a fatherly loving manner, bidding her be of good comfort: for, said he, (taking her a part from the Deacon, and her Companion) I have already divinely understood of your noble Virginity, with other graceful signs of your martyrdom, in the place thereof yet remaining, and will be gladly ready to help you, in the cause of your journey unto me.  
Whereunto S. Winifred replied, that she had nothing more concerning herself to tell him, but that as she had been by God's holy spirit guided unto him, so would she be humbly ready to receive his further directions, and be in the future course of her life an obedient Child, and Scholar unto him.  
The Saint by this her humble and modest answer being exceedingly edified, told her, that they would if she pleased, spend that night in holy prayer together, for their surer direction, in so important an occasion: and he having received towards the morning, new illuminations from heaven about her, replenished with excessive joy, he rose from his prayer, and heartily embracing her, willed her to be confident, that God would not be wanting in the wont effects, and gracious increasing of his Fatherly love towards her; & so leading her out of the Church to the Monastery of Virgins governed by him, he made this speech unto them.  
Dear Children of God, rejoice, for that your heavenly spouse hath sent a new star of wonderful brightness to shine here among you, & provided such a companion for you, as will with new treasures of merited graces enrich her own soul, and yours also by the many rare examples, and high practices of religious Perfection, which from time to time she will exhibit profitably, and holily unto you.  
For this is Winifred that renowned Virgin, whom you have heard to have suffered a glorious death, for her virginity defended. This is she, whose Triumphs are sung in Churches, and her Trophies do yet illustrate the whole Province which she dwelled in. This is she   

CHAP. XVI.  
Of the commendation which the Saint made of S. Winifred to the old Abbess of the Monastery; and how she quickly there deserved his praises by her eminent, and heroical Virtues.  
S. Elerius having spoken so much of her sanctity generally to all the sisters of the Monastery together, converted his speech unto the Venerable old Abbess called Theonia, a very holy woman, saying thus unto her.  
To you, most dear Mother, I recommend especially the respectful entertainment of this sacred and dear spouse of Christ, sent (as I say once again) divinely unto you, whereby you may gather how highly she is to be honoured by you; & joy withal that the Author of all graces hath in sending her hither so lovingly regarded you: & with this he departed, leaving S. Wenefrid amongst them, who suitably to his high praises, began to shine in her wonderful perfections, and by heroical acts of virtue to infuse a new Charity amongst them, easily by all discerned, & by the Abbess especially, who was no raw beginner in regular and holy courses.  
Her abstinence (they noted) was admirable, her prayer continual when charitable occasions interrupted not the same, & very often extaticall; a profound Humility in all her gestures and speeches plainly appeared, never praising herself, and sensibly troubled when others for any thing did extol her. Patience the first fruit of Charity, as S Paul reckoneth it, seemed to have possessed so fully her hart, and so firmly settled the affections thereof, as all Anger, Envy, and other disordinate Passions of that kind were wholly dead unto her.  
Her Commands had ever such sweetness and discretion conjoined, as it delighted all the other to do whatsoe- joyed in her devout scholar and the other was no less pleased in having such a Mistress, so divinely prepared by Christ, for her.   

CHAP. XVII.  
How S. Elerius experiencing S. Wenefrids' great wisdom and Virtue in many conferences with her, preached her sanctity to his Brethren; And of the many people, who moved with the fame of her Martyrdom and holy life, came from places far and near, to see, and speak with her.  
S. Elerius living with his Monks, not far off, in a most retired, austere and devout manner, delighted many times to visit the holy Virgin in her Monastery, discoursing of heavenly mysteries and virtuous Practices with her; and found her so clearly illuminated in the one, & so solidly grounded in the other, that having admired her himself, and returning home to his brethren was wont to utter wonderful praises of her unto them.  
And her fame at length by the mouths of many became so diwlged, as from places far & near, infinite numbers of all sorts of people flocked unto her, some to know, and see so noble, lovely, and holy a Virgin, who had lost her head to save her virginity, and after death for her Spouses greater honour had been by a holy Man miraculously raised to life, accounting the place and company she lived in, most blessed by her presence: Others, by their great importunity and earnest prayers obtained to see the white pure circle still remaining in her neck, denoting the wound which in her martyrdom she received; the sight whereof caused them to shed many tears of love, and joy that Christ had triumphed so gloriously in her first, and sent her afterwards so happily unto them.  
S. Wenefrid herself would gladly out of her great and profound humility have denied them that favour; but a charitable desire of their good, gained many ways thereby, and the other Virgin's entreaties, made her willing to afford that contentment unto them, as fearing not be made proud with their excessive praises, or apt to assume unto herself any merit, of being so praised; the high knowledge indeed which she had of God's attributes and perfections, compared with her own frailties and nothing, being two sure grounds of solid humility in her.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
How S. Winifred prophetically foretold in order, the death of Theonia first; next her own; and lastly the holy end of Elerius: How also after the death of Theonia, she was made Abbess by Elerius, and governed that Monastery in all sanctimony, till her dying day.  
BLessed Elerius visiting on a time S. Wenefrid in her Monastery, to confer, as his custom was, of holy things, told her, speaking occasionally of the happiness to dye well, that he had often rejoiced to think, that he should have her near him at his death, and afterwards to pray for him. No Father (said she prophetically unto him) it will not fall out so, Christ having ordained the contrary.  
For first, you shall live to bury holy Theonia our dear Mother, and me also some few years after; which done, you shall in short at Blessed Elerius his hands for her viaticum towards heaven, & breathed out her pure, and holy soul, gloriously by Angels accompanied thither. After whose exequys solemnly and devoutly performed, holy Elerius ordained S. Winifred Abbess in her place, to govern the Monastery, which she, in her humility, for a time resisted, till Obedience to the Saint, and Charity to the sisters instantly beseeching her to undertake the charge, prevailed with her.  
No sooner was this Office thus imposed on her, but she, like a Candle set on a candlestick higher than before, began to cast out more brightly her clear rays of Virtues, and to give a new light & life, as it were to the whole Monastery, by her heavenly speeches & examples; so as her humility by the dignity of her Office, with her Patience, Charity, and other Virtues, though admirable before, seemed now to have been very much increased in her.   

CHAP. XIX.  
Of the high esteem that S. E. lerius himself, with other Religious, and secular Per. sons made of S. Winifred: And of the miracles which she wrought in her Monastery, by curing all sorts of distressed, or sick people repairing unto her.  
S. Winifred had not lived long Abbess of the Monastery, before the fame of her sanctity & wisdom came to be, throughout that whole province, so universally diwlged, as Principal persons both of the Clergy & Laity repaired frequently unto her, never departing without singular edification, by her behaviour and speeches Yea even thieves, & robbers themselves, with other notorious Malefactors, by her gracious aspect and effectual exhortations made charitably unto them, were from their evil ways, oftentimes reclaimed. And now, not only in private houses, but in poor, as not the least superfluity was admitted by her; yea want of needful things, when at any time they happened, were most welcome unto her.  
She suggested also no lesson, more often to her sisters, then that they should have always their Redeemers example before their eyes, to imitate those Virtues, which he exercised for them, and to be careful to have a pure intention in what they did, only to please him.  
Fortitude and Patience she ever praised, and commended unto them, as needful, and certain remedies, victoriously to overcome all temptations, wherein their merit more, then in not feeling of them, consisted; for that by this, and not by the other they should come to be crowned.  
Prayer, she was wont to tell them, well made, did dilate their souls to receive plentiful graces; and holy actions did fill them, when they were humbly and fervently performed.   

CHAP. XX.  
How S. Winifred was forewarned of her death, & prepared herself for the same; And how by acquainting S. Elerius and her sisters therewith, she filled their hearts full of heaviness, and affliction.  
S. Winifred as a full Pomegranut of heavenly merits, & ripened to fall on the ground, that she might rise in a new spring, more gloriously afterwards, was in the fervour of her course, & speedy running towards the goal of religious Perfection, warned by her dear Lord, that he meant shortly to call her unto him.  
Which most welcome news, as of a happiness long before, and instantly desired, raised the thoughts and affections of her soul to a more fervent union with her Creator, in extaticall prayer for whole days and nights together, in humble acts, and painful exercises of her Charity towards others; in fasting likewise and other great austerities, even as those, who to make a long journey in a short time, do redouble & widen their paces.  
And that she might not leave her beloved friends unwarned of her departure on the sudden from them, she imparted first to S. Elerius himself, the Call she had received from her Saviour, and afterwards to her sisters; whose sorrow thereat was little inferior to the excessive joy, which herself, by the comfortable thoughts of going to her Lord, continually received, and aswell by flowing tears as doleful speeches they expressed the same unto her. But she, as with a face then wholly turned from the world towards heaven, entreated them to conform their will to their Creators' pleasure therein, and not to doubt, but that she should by her prayers in heaven, be more profitable, then by her presence here on earth she could be, unto them.  
For that (said she) is not a Country of ignorance, but of knowledge, clearly revealed, whereby the Blessed understand their friends necessities here on earth, and being united to the fountain of Charity itself, they will be no less powerful, then ready to procure speedy helps and remedies for them; which I do promise to do for you, my beloved dear Children, after Christ shall take me unto him.  
And whereas (said she) to other worldly souls unwilling to dye, and fearful to behold the face of their high ludge, whom they are guilty in their lives, grievously to have offended, Death cometh as a cruel jailer to break down their mortery houses, and to drag them forcibly unto him: So, to holy Souls, he ever cometh as a welcome guest, and therefore findeth the door of their hart open to receive him; like unto men expecting the return of their Lord from his hea- she with a glad patience, to go to her heavenly Spouse, silently sustained, often and earnestly beseeching him, not to let the infernal Enemy be frightful unto her in her last agony.  
And finding by her much weakness, & forces decayed, that her dissolution approached, she called for the Saint her Confessor, to receive the divine Sacrament of him, as a safe protection in so dreadful a passage. And beholding her sisters kneeling round about her, and grieving above measure to lose her presence, no less comfortable than profitable unto them; Dear Children (said she) grieve not so, I beseech you, at my happiness thus approaching, but rejoice rather with me, that I shall fully now enjoy him in heaven, whom in earth here, I have loved. Tread also, so nearly as you can, my footsteps, by serving him as I have done, & contemning for his sake, such baits, and base pleasures as the world can afford you. Let your promised faith to him be inviolably observed, who by his mercies and merits is only able to bring you comfortably to this passage, and eternally to crown you. Conceive your bodies, though youthful and fair, to be (as truly they are) but loathsome prisons of your soul, and mortery houses, apt, if you take not heed, to pollute, & defile you: and persuade yourselves assuredly, that so miserable a world as this is, and full of temptations, can yield no true happiness or pleasures without dangers unto you.  
To others also that came to visit her, she ceased not at times as her voice would serve, to give profitable advices, & above all, that they should be ready, for that passage which herself then was entering into; and to spend their lives in such sort, as they might receive comfort when that moment should approach, on which Eternal weal, or woe dependeth.  
sweet manner, comforting herself and him also, by a certain hope, they shey should meet again ere long, and live in heaven eternally together; she afterwards humbly besought him, that her body might be buried near unto Theonia her holy Mother, which the Saint gladly promised. And soon after, in an act of fervent prayer, upon the 3. day of November she breathed out her pure soul into her Redeemers hands, ready to receive it.  
Which being perceived by S. Elerius, and the sisters praying about her, they fall into such new complaints, and sad expressions of their sorrow, that the Saint was enforced, to smother his own grief, and to comfort them all he could, by declaring, that she was only gone to Heaven before them, where gloriously, united with God, she would be no less powerful & ready then when she lived in earth, by her prayers to help them.  
Her body nothing changed in the loveliness thereof by death, was near unto Theonia solemnly afterwards interred, even in the ashes, as it were, of many other great Saints, buried in that place before, amongst whom Cheb and Sennan, the one lying at her head, and the other by her side, were for sanctity & miracles in their days famously renowned, and had Churches therefore (even yet remaining in that Province) to their memories erected; wherein by wondrous signs their glory with God is now frequently testified.  
And albeit these two, & other innumerable Saints have been interred in that holy ground; yet was the same, for S. Wenefrides' Sepulchre afterwards especially honoured, & graced with numberless, and notorious miracles, by her prayers there obtained.  
S. Elerius also, soon after holily disceased, & was buried in a Church erected to his Name and memory, in which at this very day Almighty God, through his merits and prayers worketh miraculous cures upon persons either diseased, or distressed.  
The End of the first Book.    

AN APPENDIX  
Of the Translator, concerning diverse particulars of S. Wenefrids' History, omitted by the Author.  
MY Author (Courteous Reader) more careful to write plainly and truly his History, then to observe the conditions of an exact Historian, speaketh not of the ty me wherein S. Winifred lived, as he should have done; nor when her body was to Shrewsbury translated; nor whether S. Elerius, or other Saints relics mentioned in her life, were with it transferred. Wherefore, I will here add what I have read, for your further satisfaction.  
First therefore, I find in a learned collection which a friend of mine hath made of British and English Antiquities, either wholly omitted, or obscurely expressed by other writers; that S. Winifred lived about the year of Christ 660. And whereas S. Bede flourishing also at that time hath made no mention of her at all in his History, amongst the other Saints of our Country; it might well happen, because the continual jars, and bloody quarrels between the Britan's and Saxons, did so hinder all commerce between these two Nations, as that it seems the Acts of one Church became almost wholly unknown unto the other, especially in Yorkeshyre, where S. Bede most commonly lived, far distant from any part of Wales: so as his silence of her, and of S. Elerius (in the Roman martyrologue acknowledged) as of many other British Saints gloriously flourishing in those days, and before insinuated also by my Author, disproveth nothing that is by him, or any other learned Anti quary affirmed.  
Her body was in the year of our Lord 1138. translated to Shrewsbury, together with the relics of many other Saints near ruder parts of the world than the others did, the histories of their holy lives have not been by learned men's pens equally diwlged.  
In so much, as M. Camden, no favourable reporter of such Catholic Acts and Monuments, rarely now extant, speaking of the old british Monks of Glastenbury Monastery from the first A postolicall times of that Church, hath these words, in his Britannia: Primis his temporibus viri san ctissimi etc. In these first times (to wit of the British Church before the Saxons invasion of England, more than 1100. years since) many most holy men night and day attending to the service of God, lived in this place, maintained by the King's liberality and training up youth in piety & liberal sciences, embraced a solitary life, that so with greater quiet & repose they might attend to the studies of Divinity, and exercise themselves in all severity, to bear the Christ of Christ etc. Of which sort of Monks so by him described, were very many Religious men, dispersed in like manner though all parts of that Church, living either in holy Communities as Monks, or else alone as Hermit's in solitary places; of which number were S. Beuno, S. Saturnus, S. Deifer, S. Elerius, S. Cheb, and S. Sennan mentioned in this life of S. Wenefrid.  
And, as Godly men, so Holy Virgins also, did live in houses religiously together, like unto those mentioned by S. Hierome, who lived at Bethleem, under S. Paula, and Eustochium her Daughter: & such was the house wherein S. Winifred lived, first at Finhon the place of her martyrdom, and afterwards at Guitherin (called in Latin Witheriacum by my Author) where she died happily, and was honoured 600. years together for a Saint, until her solemn translation, as is aforesaid, to Shrewsbury; where also she hath been by God glorified with many miracles even until our days, as she had been before both at Finhon, and Guitherin, the places above mentioned.   

THE SECOND BOOK, containing the miracles wrought at S. Wenefrides' Well; as also upon her Translation to Shrewsbury.  

CHAP. I.  
Of the great concourse of people to her Well, graced by miracles, no less than before, after her departure from that place.  
ALmighty God ceased not by wonderful miracles to grace the holy place of S. Wenefrids' martyrdom, after he had inspired her (as hath been said) before her death wholly to abandon it, to the end devout people, perchance, in other parts of the Country might come to know the eminent sanctity of her life, and herself perfect the graces of her soul, by living humbly, and obediently amongst strangers, as she did for many years, until by her singular merits & exemplar life, she was ordained against her will, to be a holy Mistress and grateful Governess of many Virgins  
We may also conceive, that this humble Virgin, (who was wont to blush, yea and shed tears, when she heard herself praised) desired, & obtained of her heaveuly Spouse, to go out of the way, as it were, and absent herself from that place, where she could not choose but be seen, and honoured by multitudes of people, daily visitting her Well, as the miraculous Trophy of her martyrdom there sustained; wondering first, to see such a source of pure water breaking out of the ground upon which her head first fell; next, to behold the stones therein, as with drops of her blood strangely stained, or died rather; and lastly to smell the green moss growing about the Well, with a musky sweet odour more than naturally perfumed.  
It was (I say) a pleasure no doubt, and much by the holy Virgin desired, to live out of the noise of her own praises there daily resounded; especially when to the wonders of the place itself, other miraculous Cures began to be wrought upon leprous, blind, and all kind of diseased persons, either by drinking of the water, or bathing themselves in it: of which some few, in the Chapters following shallbe by me declared.   

CHAP. II.  
Of a blind maid restored to her sight, by washing her head in S. Wenefrids' Well, and praying in her Chapel.  
A POOR Carpenter dwelling not far from S. Wenefrides' Well, had a Daughter borne blind, who having hard of the wonderful cures wrought there, by the intercession and merits of that holy Virgin, ceased not to importune her Father daily, that she might be led to that miraculous Well; and having finally obtained the same, she first bathed her head in the water thereof, and then being conducted to the Chapel near unto it, she spent the whole night devoutly in prayer, that God would be pleased through the merits and intercession of the Saint, there martyred for his sake, to bestow upon her corporal sight, the better to serve him afterwards: & falling into a slumber, towards the morning in a corner of the Chapel, she was no sooner awaked, but she found herself to see perfectly; which being perceived by her Father, he ceased not, together with his Daughter, joyfully to proclaim that miraculous favour by S. Wenefrids' powerful prayers, evidently obtained.  
The fame of this miracle generally diwlged, bred a fresh devotion in others, to repair in like manner to that place, for obtaining help, and comfort in their corporal and spiritual distresses; and they were not frustrated of their hopes, faithfully, and devoutly so conceived: whereby the former great Fame of the place, became more universally and gloriously diwlged, to the honour of him, by whose omnipotency and gracious goodness these miraculous cures were multiplied, delightfully glorified in the honours done to his Saints, and in their glories eternally exalted.  
before the Altar, uttered his complaints to the Saint of the injury, and loss thereby sustained, beseeching her to punish, as they deserved the wrongful Authors of that and other mischiefs, to the great harm of honest people sinfully committed, and by some exemplar revenge taken upon them, to warn, and deter others, from violating in like manner, the safety of her Chapel, and reverence due unto it; and so departed onwards in his journey, not frustrate afterward of what he had prayed for.  
For Almighty God, in honour of S. Wenefrid and her Chapel, forthwith afflicted the Thief that had unloosed, and taken away the horse, with such a raging extremity of pain, throughout his whole body, that he often desired to be freed by death from so intolerable a torment, daily increasing on him, till the humours which caused the same, fell into his right arm, making it first to swell, and afterwards to rot in a most horrible, and loathesome manner, until at length humbled by affliction, and hopeless of all ease otherwise he came in a very penitent manner, to the Saints chapel, confessing his fault, & demanding her pardon, with many tears, for so great a wrong and insolency committed there by him.  
Upon this his humiliation he became eased by degrees, and by little and little cured of his painful ulcer, praising God, and the holy Martyr for their mercies towards him, & remaining ever afterwards whilst he lived, a dreadful example, to warn others, from violating, as he had done, the sanctity of that place, or wronging S. Wenefrids' clients running for succour in their distresses unto her.  
The Fame also of this miracle diwlged abroad, increased much the people's opinion of the place, and their devotion towards the Saint, who had showed herself so powerful a Patroness of her Chapel, and Defendresse of such, as for their safety, and protection from injuries, repaired unto it.   

CHAP. IU.  
How certain thieves who had stolen a Cow near to S. Wenefrids' Chapel, and driven her through Rocky ways, were notwithstanding traced by her footsteps in the hard stones miraculously imprinted, and so enforced to leave her to the Owners pursuing them.  
ANother Miracle, no less wonderful than the former happened in this manner. Certain thieves having stolen a Cow, out of a pasture near to S. Wenefrids' Chapel, & driven her through Rocky high ways, that they might not by her footing be traced, it fell out far otherwise: for the Cow trod not one step, but as if she had gone in dirty deep ways, whereby her footing, and the thiefs also themselves, so plainly appeared, that the owner & his Neighbours, the next morning missing the beast, did very easily see which way she was driven.  
Whereupon they following the track with all speed, came so near to overtake the thieves, that they were constrained in great fear to fly away, and leave the Cow behind them to their pursuers. Who at better leisure afterwards considering how the Cow's feet had miraculously made prints in the hard stones as she was driven away, but not as she returned, perceaued it to be an evident miracle, and for such, to the honour of S. Winifred, by king-trade, to abstain likewise from theft, especially out of any place, near to the Saints Chapels.   

CHAP. V.  
Of daily Cures done upon sick children thrown into the stream of S. Wenefrids' Well; and of others also cured miraculously of agues, & hot fevers, by drinking of the same water.  
IN process of time, this sacred Fountain, the Trophy, and triumphant sign of S. Wenefrids' Martyrdom, became so famously renowned, for miraculous cures done by the waters thereof, that Mothers were usually wont to throw their young children sick of any disease, into the stream running from the same, who became presently cured, by the touch of those waters.  
Such also as had Agues, or hot burning Fevers in any part of the Country, were wont for a certain and present remedy thereof, either to drink a draught of that pure fountain-water, or if they had it not at hand, to put in some one of the bloody stones, taken out of the Well, into a draught of any other water, and became thereby presently cured. In like manner such as had any swelling or soar about them, were accustomed to bathe the part affected, with the said water, and found present remedy thereby.  
The first use of which remedies, for all sorts of sores and diseases, is said to have been taught by the holy Virgin-Martyr herself, who visibly after her death   

CHAP. VI  
How diverse thefts from places near unto the Well, were by S. Winifred miraculously punished; and how the Authors became warned and penitent for the same.  
THE streams of water breaketh out of Saint Wenefrides' Well, in such abundance together, as within one furlongs space it driveth a mill, never standing still for want of water even in the greatest drought of summer, nor is ever hindered from grinding, by any freezing of the stream, by which it is driven in winter.  
This Mill●, by certain thieves, was upon a time robbed in the night, and the Irons thereof were carried away to be put into another mill built not far from thence by those that stole them: but through the merits of S. Winifred a strange event happened here about for the Mill into which these Irons were put, could never be made to turn, or grind any thing therewith: so as the stealers thereof moved at length by the miracle more than once experienced, brought them back again, and confessed their fault penitently in the Saints Chapel; warning others thereby not to commit the like theft in placesneere unto it for fear of being, by her prayers, punished for it.  
By this Miracle so diwlged, many people also were moved the more to glorify God, in those wondrous things which he did, to testify, the great merits of this holy Virgin S. Winifred, joyfully relating to one another, how S Beuno's prediction of the innumerable Cures which should be done by those miraculous waters, and by the Virgins own prayers, began to be now fulfilled, when as humbly prostrate on her knees before her departure from that place, she besought her heavenly spouse, corporally to bless, and spiritually to sanctify those who in of his Court, called Roger, through his great piety and zeal to maintain God's servants, built in Shrewsbury a sumptuous fair Monastery, and endowed the same with sufficient revenues, to his own great praise, and the benefit of that City; which Monastery being ended, & Religious men with their Superior placed therein, they began, piously to complain that they wanted relics in their Church, whereas that Country of Walts in innumerable places was stored abundantly with them, by reason of so many great Saints, men & women, who formerly had flourished in great sanctity of life, and miraculous testifications thereof, throughout that whole Kingdom.  
Whereupon to have their Church hallowed, & their new Monastery guarded with such sacred pledges, munificently placed, & duly honoured by them, they begun to inquire after some special Saint, whose Relics might happily be gotten for that purpose by them; during which deliberation of theirs, a Monk of this their Monastery, fell very sick, in body, and so distracted in mind withal, that not only his Brethren there, but in Chester and other places also, hearing of his pitiful case, ceased not to pray most heartily for him.  
And as in Chester-Abbey, the Subprior of that Monastery, a godly man, called Radulphus, had one day ended his prayer for that end, he fell into an unusual kind of sleep, to whom a woman, the mean while, in a very glorious habit appeared, and said: If you desire the sick Monks health, let some one of you go, & say a Mass in the Chapel, near S. Wenefrids' Well for him, and he shall presently recover; & so she vanished.  
The Monk herewith awaked, durst not for some time impart this vision unto any, as fearing little credit would be given unto it, until at length, the wise began to be singularly devoted unto her, and labouted by all means possible to get some particle of her Virginal sacred Body unto them.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Of the earnest desire which the Abbot & Monks of Shrewsbury had to get the body of S. Winifred unto them: And how finally after many years, & very great difficulties, they obtained the same.  
THe Abbot & Monks of Shrewsbury, for many years persisting in their holy desires, of getting S. Wenefrides' body, obtained at length in the peaceful reign of King Henry the first a Grant thereof, but by reason of wars, and many tumults happening in that Country after this King's death, it was not effected until the second year of King Stephen's reign, when as the holy Abbot Herbert in a consultation of his Monks, ordained Robert his Prior, together with one Richard, a chief Monk of the same Monastery, to go into Wales about it.  
Before whose going, the said Robert, more solicitous than others in the business, directed diverse letters unto friends in Wales, best likely therein to assist him, who promised gladly their help, & wished him to hasten his coming amongst them. Wherefore beginning his journey he first visitted the Bishop of Bangor, in his way, and was by him directed to a Principal Lord who ruled in that Country, & by him him very courteously received.  
As soon as the Noble Man, had understood the that told them, how the Inhabitants thereabout, having heard of their coming, were exceedingly troubled thereat, and absolutely resolved to hinder them in their pretence, and not to suffer the chief Saint, & Patroness of their Country, by strangers to be carried away from them. And (said he) from this their resolution generally taken, no favour or power of any man living, will be able to draw them.  
These words being plainly and sincerely uttered, very much troubled Prior Robert and his companions all that night; but yet praying all together, and humbly craving God's direction & assistance in their intended business, they nevertheless adventured, to prosecute their journey, & coming the next day near to the place, Prior Robert thought good to remain himself in a Farmer's house, privately lodged that night, and to send the Prior of Chester and the other Priest to Guitherine before him, as men well borne, and known in that Country.  
After they were gone, Prior Robert, rising as his custom was by night to say his matin's, was certified by one of his company, a good devout man, that a glorious Virgin had appeared that night to him, bidding him go to his Prior, & tell him from her, that he should be of good comfort, because he should joyfully and prosperously, effect the business which he came for, by the help of her, whose honour he hath so particularly sought; and having accepted of his holy intention, will join also with him, in the performance thereof.  
Prior full of good hope, to obtain that, which his speech imported; so as in the morning, he comfortably declared to those who were with him the vision he had also received, and willed them therefore to prepare presently for their journey. But before they were ready, a messenger came from the other Prior purposely sent, to hasten them forwards & to certify them withal, that Almighty God, and the Saint herself had disposed all things, so prosperously, for them, that they should not return without obtaining what they desired.  
This joyful message received, they went on, and making what speed they could, they came early in the morning to the Church where S. Wenefrides' body was certainly interred, and having for a while at her shrine devoutly prayed, the chief Priest of the Parish came in, and courteously saluted them, as they did him likewise in a very humble manner, earnestly entreating him withal, to be their charitable helper, in carrying away the Saints body with them, to a place where it should be more magnificently interred then there it was, and daily honoured, by multitudes of people, desirous to have so sacred a Treasure reposed amongst them.   

CHAP. X.  
How the Parish Priest courteously condescended to their desire, as having been before hand divinely prepared, to deliver the body of S. Winifred unto them.  
THe good Priest patiently hard their request, and courteously told them, that he for his part, would easily grant what they desired of him, as having had for sometime before, the will of God, and of Note this place well, & my words also, whereby I do command thee, that if some months hence any persons come to open this Sepulchre, & to carry away she Saintes body with them, hinder them not in their holy design, but assist them in all thou mayst, lest by doing contrary to what I here divinely foretell thee, some painful & unremediable sickness, to punish thy disobedience, do happen unto thee. And having uttered these words, this Angel, as I think he was, vanished away. So as I will not fail for my part, to help you in your purpose, by persuading others also, who are owners of this village, to yield willingly the Saint's body: and for this purpose I have ordained them to come themselves hither unto you.   

CHAP. XI.  
The Priours' speech unto the people assembled in the Church, about obtaining their leave to carry away S. Wenefrids' Body; and how their consent was finally obtained.  
THe Prior seeing the people in great numbers assembled, by an Interpreter told them, that he and his Companions were come, divinely warranted, to procure of them S. Wenefrids' body, that in their City, and Monastery much devoted unto her, it might more than it could be there, honoured and respected; & the Blessed Virgin Martyr herself (said he) as your Pastor here partly knoweth) hath by many visions manifested her willingness hereunto, and will not be pleased with such as shall dare herein to resist her. To which speech of his, they gently hearkened, and became inclined thereby to grant what he requested: one only amongst them opposed himself, and clamorously told them in presence of the rest, that they should never be deprived, by his will, of so sacred a Treasure, as was the body of that Saint, who had lived holily, and died happily in that place, leaving her relics to be honoured by them, no less than they had been by their Ancestors before them, Almighty God having from time to time, by miracles, approved the pious devotion of people towards them.  
This passionate boldness of the man much troubled the Prior, so as to stop his mouth, and gain his consent, he caused one of his company to give him money very largely, by which he was so altered, as that others not knowing the reason of his change (carefully from them concealed) wondered thereat; and imputing the same to some miraculous operation wrought by God and the Saint, began to yield their own consents somewhat more willingly, then before, and finally after many consultations passed among themselves, at last they all fully agreed, & consented that the Saints body should be presently taken up, and delivered decently unto them.  
For which resolution the Prior and his companions very heartily & courteously gave them thanks, & without any delay desired to enter the holy I'll, wherein the Saints Shrine had been for many ages devoutly visitted by holy Pilgrims, and many wonderful cures upon diseased persons frequently performed.  
Neither did they find her body there alone, but many holy bodies both of men and women also were found lying by it; having without the place of their burial, a wooden large porch, wherein the people used to kneel and pray; esteemed also sacred of itself for this continual miracle, that if any beast came to feed of the grass near unto it, it presently died; & racles wrought at Guitherin Church, by S. Winifred, and other Saints there interred, this one as freshly happened, was unto the Prior and his companions thus certainly recounted.  
A certain labouring man two years before, presumed, for some use, to cut down a bough of an old Oak, growing near the Church door in holy ground yielding also a convenient shade, and shelter to such devout pilgrims as could not sometimes enter into the Church for the Concourse of people, but were forced to stay without, and pray under it: Who had no sooner struck his Hatchet into the bough, but it became therein immoveably fixed, and his whole hand and arm did likewise cleave so fast unto the handle of the hatchet, that they seemed to have grown unto it, & by no force were able to be removed.  
The poor man finding himself in this distress, cried out for help, which his neighbours hearing, they came running to the place, but finding him in that most pitiful plight, stood amazed at the miracle, as not able any way to help him. Wherefore by their advice he began to repent him of his fault, and humbly besought, amongst the other Saints, S. Wenefrid to help him. The rest also joining in like prayer with him, after they had cried aloud and all together, Holy Winifred take pity on him, his hand was presently loosed from the hatchet, and his arm to all freedom restored.  
Which evident miracle seen by the people, they renewed their wont veneration to the Saint. They showed also unto Prior Robert and his companions, the Cut which the man had made in the branch of the tree, remaining still for a testimony thereof: so as with very good reason, they all much reverenced that holy place, by innumerable miraclesso divinely graced.   

CHAP. XIII.  
How Prior Robert, the Author of this history, did himself take up the holy body of S. Winifred, and carry it towards Shrewsbury; How also in the way, he wrought a miracle by some of the earth, found in the Holy head of that Blessed Martyr.  
PRior Robert having had a general leave from the Pastor of the Church and his parishioners to take up the Saints body, went down without a guide into her Tomb or Sepulchre, and by an interior light, communicated then divinely unto him, knowing where it lay, caused the Tombstone to be removed, and labourers to dig towards the body; which when they had found, the Prior causing them to go forth out of the Vault, he only with some Priests and Religious persons, stayed behind, singing psalms of joy devoutly together, & into the sick man's stomach, but he fell sound asleep, and when he awaked, found himself of his dangerous and painful infirmity perfectly recovered.  
By which most evident Miracle, the credit of those sacred relics, to the great joy of the Prior himself and his companions, was divinely confirmed, and the devotion of all present towards them increased. Others also there present did learn from thence, what due veneration & reverence was to be yielded afterwards unto them.   

CHAP. XIV.  
How Prior Robert, after seven days journey, arriving with the sacred Relics at Shrewsbury, was by his Abbot commanded to place them in S. Giles his Church near the gate of that City, until all was ready for their solemn receiving into the Monastery: With anotable miracle which happened in that place.  
PRior Robert & his company in seven days ended their journey back again with the sacred treasure to Shrewsbury; and having before given notice to the Abbot of their approach, they were willed by him to stay, and repose the same decently in S. Giles his Church near the gate of the City, that the Lord Bishop and his Clergy, with the rest of the people might be warned thereof, and in sollenne procession bring them to the Monastery.  
And for the greater honour of them in the mean time, prayed all the night that God through the merits & prayers of great S. Wenefrid, would be pleased to cure him, he fell towards the morning into a slumber, and before the Priest came to say the first mass, he was to the wonder of all present, & of the whole City likewise, perfectly cured, and made whole; so as after he had sounded forth thankful praises to God & the holy Martyr, he returned without help of others joyfully homewards on his feet.   

CHAP. XV.  
With what solemnity & pomp S. Wenefrides' body was brought unto the Abbey-Church of Shrewsbury: And of a strange Miracle which happened thereat.  
THE former miracle increased much the fame of these holy Relics brought into the City, and the opinion also of S. Wenefrids' sanctity, so that the concourse of people was very great, daily honouring the holy Virgin in them. Priour Robert in the mean time having by order of his Abbot, treated with the Bishop about the solemnity of bringing her body from S. Giles his Church to the Monastery; it was agreed between them, that the people of the City and Country likewise should be warned of the certain day when this solemnity should be kept, and the Bishop's blessing & indulgences for such a feast promulgated, to all that should be present in the procession.  
Whereupon, the throng of people kneeling on each side of the streets & shedding tears of joy for such a blessing, brought amongst them, was so great, that it was a wonder to see how grateful their devotion was to God, and to the Saint thus honoured by them. At which time also happened an evident miracle in the sight of all, worthy here to be related.  
The morning wherein this solemn procession was miraculously in the air, over their heads, and yet be kept from falling down upon them, till the solemnity was ended: and therefore they redoubled their praises to God, and to the Saint, as Authors of this great miracle wrought evidently before their face.  
The Procession ended and the Bishop and Priests arrived with the Relics at the Monastery, they were by the Abbot, and his Religious, as lewells above all value, most reverently received, & upon the high Altar, dedicated to S. Peter and S. Paul, magnificently placed, where many apparent miracles for the help of souls and bodies, are, to Gods great honour glorified in his Saints, daily performed: whose Name be praised for ever and ever. Amen.   

CHAP. XVI.  
The Conclusion, of the Translator, unto this second Book of S. Wenefrids' Life, and Miracles.  
I May say here of S. Wenefrids' miracles (of those later especially wrought in Shrewsbury upon such as honoured the Saint, and were cured by the virtue of her relics) what S. Augustine in his 22. Book of the City of God, and 8. Chapter, hath left written of a blind man miraculously restored to sight, and other like miracles done at Milan, whilst he lived there, at the holy bodies of S. Geruasius and Protasius, divinely revealed and translated by S. Ambrose to another place, as S. Wenefrids' Relics were from Guitherine unto Shrewsbury; that the City, to wit wherein they were done, grandis era●, & immenso populo teste res gesta est, was great, and an immense concourse of people able to testify the verity of them. So as he must want dit in such Historical verities, as they will believe any Gentle, or Heathen Author before them; the which myself have proved by many experiences, and for an example, I will here mention one.  
It was my chance some years since, to be the guest of a Protestant Gentleman in England, of especial note and rank in the Country where he lived, who seeing me one day fixedly to look upon a fair picture hanging in his Hall, wherein the diverse torments of some Primitive Martyrs were lively represented; Sir, said he, who can believe (as for my part I cannot) that men, to men, and for Religion only, ever used such barbarous cruelties, & more than butcherly inhumanities'? To whom for clearing of so certain and testified a truth, I alleged what Tertullian in sundry places of his works S. Cyprian, S. justine the Martyr, S. Hierome, S. Ambrose, and other innumerable Fathers, had either expressly affirmed, or supposed of these Martyr's torments, & that in books either written to the Martyrs themselves, or to Heathen magistrates their Condemners; yet prevailed I nothing, till calling for Tacitus, a Gentle Author, and most hateful enemy to Christ himself, with all such as faithfully professed him; I showed this Gentleman what he had left written of Nero's cruelty, used against Christians, by causing them to be put upon stakes in eminent places of Rome, clothed in pitched shirts, with their arms extended, and so to be fired in dark nights, as torches to the City; with other like in humane torments, exercised upon them.  
Whereupon he began to credit what his Picture represented: and being asked again by me, why he believed not before so many testimonies which I had cited unto him, out of the holy Fathers; he plainly told me (and it is the common persuasion of Prote-  
The End of the second Book.    

THE TABLE OF CHAPTERS contained in this Book.  

THe Authors Prologue to the life of S. Winifred. pag. 1.   

THE FIRST BOOK.  
OF S. Beuno his great sanctity, and how he was inspired by God to go to S. Wenefrids' Father: and had his Daughter commended to his charge. Chap. 1. pag. 9  
How S. Wenefrids' Father did help S. Beuno to build a Church and Monastery in his own Territory; And how S. Wenefrid resolved to conserve her Virginity. Chap. 2. pag. 19  
How S. Wenefrids' Father approved the Resolution his Daughter, and gave away her dowry in Alms to the poor. Chap 3. pag. 27  
How S. Winifred was be he aded by Cradoeus the King's son, in defence of her Virginity. Chap. 4. pag. 35.  
How Cradocus for his wicked fact, was swallowed up alive by the ground; And what lamentations were made for S. Wenefrides' death. Chap. 5. pag. 46.  
How S. Winifred was raise again to life; and a white Circle appearing in her Neck, in the place where it was cut off. Chap. 6. pa. 53.  
How S Winifred was solemnly veiled by S. Beuno, and instructed in the practice of a Religious life Chap. 7 pag. 52.  
Of S. Wenefrids' great grief for her master S. Beuno his departure from her. Chap. 8. page 72.  
How S. Winifred gatherea to geathen many Nobleman's Daughters and instructed them in the practice of Religious piety, as Governess of the rest. Chap. 9 pag. 80.  
Of the great fame of S. Wenefrides' holiness of life: and of the gift she sent unto her master S. Beuno. Chap. 10. pag. 87.  
How S. Winifred had the death of her master S. Beuno revealed vn to her: and soon after changed the place of her abode. Chap. 11. pa. 94.  
How S. Winifred was divinely directed in her journey to a holy man called Deifer, who was chosen of  
Of the earnest desire which the Abbot and Monks of Shrewsbury had, to get the body of S. Winifred unto them: and how finally they obtained the same. Chap. 8. pag. 227.  
Of a vision happened to Prior Robert in his journey, which gave him hope to obtain the body of S. Winifred. Chap. 9 pag. 226.  
How the Parish Priest of Guitherin, where S Wenefrides' body lay, gave his consent for the removing the same to Shrewsbury. Chap. 10. pag. 231.  
Of Prior Robert's speech unto the people of Guitherin, to obtain their consent, for getting away the body of S. Winifred thence. Chap. 11. pag. 136.  
Of a certain labouring man punished for offering to cut down a branch of an Oak near S. Wenefrides' 〈…〉 Cham 12. pag. 243.  
How Prior Robert took up S. Wenefrides' body, and carried it to Shrewsbury seven days journey: And of a miracle wrought in the way. Chap. 13. pag. 248.  
How S. Wenefrides' body being brought to Shrewsbury, was for a time placed in S. Giles Church, necre the gate of the City. Ch. 14. p. 254.  
Of the solemnity & pompe wherewith S. Wenefrides' body was finally carried to the Abbey Church at Shrewsbury; And of a strange Miracle happened thereat. Chap. 15. pag. 259.  
The Conclusion of the Translator, unto the second book of S. Wenefrides' life, and Miracles. Ch. 16. p. 266.   
FINIS.