[88] The vessel used for the purpose indicated here, the “monstrance,” was in the shape of a tower. Cf. DuCange, art. Turris.
[89] The identification of flies with demons occurs also on page 237. For a similar case of disinclination to let a fly settle on a wine cup see Frazer, The Golden Bough, 8, 291.
[90] Cf. p. 58. This punishment of Auvergne took place in 532, 6 years before Gregory’s birth.
[91] The site of St. Julian’s church. Brioude is situated about 40 miles up the valley of the Allier from Clermont.
[92] Gregory’s confessions of inability to write in a polished style, though probably hypocritical, are nevertheless in accordance with fact.
[93] Gregory’s interest in this miracle is one of technique. As a rule material “touch” of the source of “virtue” was regarded as a necessity, but “mere invocation” was sometimes effective. The cure that is related is an extreme form of the latter. See Introd. xx, xxi.
[94] See Bonnet, p. 272, Note 3.
[95] Tyriaca for theriaca, (a) antidote against the bite of serpents, (b) remedy in general.
[96] Noon.
[97] Gall would in that case have been a martyr with all a martyr’s advantages. He does not regret running away as an act of prudence, but as an injudicious act spiritually speaking. Cf. Marignan, Le culte des saints sous les Mérovingiens (Paris, 1899), ch. 1.