Once more spake Orendel: “Be warned, O Kings, and Knights, and Nobles! ye will suffer hell’s heat and distress before ye reach the Tomb. Come not unwillingly, nor unarmed.” Nothing daunted, all girded their swords, and prepared for the long journey.
Thus went King Orendel forth from Trèves, surrounded by his kings and knights, a golden cross grasped firmly in his hand, and the people cheering. Embarking, he was carried by the Moselle upon his course, and in the Holy Land he found his “Breide.”
THE GREAT MASSACRE.
Varus, the governor of Gaul, caused so many Christians to be massacred in Trèves that the Moselle ran red with blood, until it reached Neumagen. For this he was condemned to ramble restlessly about the city after his death, and to do deeds of kindness, assisting every one requiring his aid in Trèves. In this character he is called “the City Ghost.”
In after days a penitent from Trèves sought absolution from the Pope. The latter ordered him to fetch a piece of earth from Trèves; and on the penitent’s again presenting himself with the earth, the Holy Father prayed, and pressed it in his hands, and blood dropped therefrom immediately.
“This blood,” said the Holy Father, “was shed by martyrs in Trèves, who loved Christ so heartily that they gave their lives for him, and thus became protectors of their city.
“Go; thou art absolved for their sakes. And tell thy people what thou hast seen and heard, that so they may be increased in their faith.”