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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 7, 36. Of the Parley of Gundovald with the Army

Many of their number would often go up the hill and speak with Gundovald, reviling him and saying: ‘Art thou that painter fellow who in the days of King Lothar used to daub the walls and vaults of oratories? Art thou he whom the people of Gaul used often to call Ballomer?¹ Art thou he who several times wast shorn and banished by the kings of the Franks for these very pretensions which thou makest to-day? Tell us plainly, most miserable of men, who was it that brought thee hither? Who gave thee the heart to set foot within the frontiers of our lords and kings? If any man invited thee, declare it with a loud voice. Behold, death standeth plain before thine eyes; look on the pit of thy destruction which so long thou hast sought, and into which thou shalt be cast headlong! Tell us, man by man, the names of thine abettors, and make those known to us by whom thou wert invited.’ When he had listened to what they said, Gundovald drew nearer, and taking up his position above the gate, replied: ‘No man is ignorant that my father Lothar ever detested me, or that my hair was cut short first by him, and later by my brothers. This was why I joined Narses, prefect of Italy, in which country I took a wife and begat two sons.² Upon her death, I took my sons with me and withdrew to Constantinople. I was received right graciously by the emperors, and lived there down to the present time. Some years ago, Guntram Boso came to Constantinople, and I eagerly questioned him how it fared with my brothers; from him I learned that our royal house was grievously minished, and that of our line no males remained but Guntram and Childebert, a brother and a brother’s son; for the sons of King Chilperic had perished with him, and there was left only one young child. My brother Guntram had no sons; my nephew Childebert was without power. Guntram Boso having set these things forth at length, gave me an invitation to return, saying: ‘Come; all the chief men of King Childebert’s realm call for thee, and not one hath dared mutter a word against thee. It is known to us all that thou art Lothar’s son. An thou come not, there is none left in Gaul to rule his kingdom.’ I gave him many gifts, and in twelve sacred places received his oath that I might enter this realm in safety. I therefore came to Marseilles, where the bishop³ received me with the greatest kindness, for he had letters written by the chief men of my nephew’s kingdom.⁴ I then went to Avignon, according to the wish of the patrician Mummolus. But Guntram Boso, regardless of his oath and promise, stole from me my treasures and took them for himself. Learn, therefore, that I am a king, even as is my brother Guntram. But if too great a hatred rageth in your minds, at least conduct me to your king, and if he knoweth me for his brother, I will do according to his will. If ye will not do this, then let me return to the place whence I set out. For I will go away, and do no harm to any man. If ye would know the truth of what I say, make inquiry of Radegund at Poitiers and Ingitrude at Tours, for they will confirm my words as true.’ While he made this harangue many men followed his words with reviling and with taunts.

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