The Power of Music / In which is shown, by a variety of pleasing and instructive anecdotes, the effects it has on man and animals.

by Anonymous

THE BISHOP OF ORLEANS RESTORED FROM PRISON BY MUSIC.

The sons of Ludovicus I. then Emperor, had conspired against him, and amongst divers of the bishops that were confederate with them, was Theodulphus, Bishop of Orleans, whom the Emperor clapped up in prison in Anjou. In this place, the Emperor kept his Easter, and was present at the procession on Palm Sunday, in imitation and honour of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. All the pomp was passing by the place where Theodolphus was under restraint; the Bishop, in sight of that solemnity, had prepared a most elegant hymn in honour of that procession; and, as the Emperor passed by, opening his casement, with a clear and musical voice he sung it, so as to be heard of the multitude that passed by: the Emperor enquired, “What voice that was, and who that sung?” It was told him, “The captive Bishop of Orleans.” The Emperor diligently attending both the purport of the verses and the sweetness of the voice, was therewith so delighted, that he restored the prisoner forthwith to his liberty.