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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 8, 14. Of Our Peril on the River

While I was staying with the king in the above town, I was one day kept at his board till it was dark. When the meal was over, I rose, and went down to the river, finding on the bank a boat ready for us. I went on board, and thereupon a motley crowd swarmed in. The boat began to fill, not only with men, but with water also. But the power of the Lord was present with us, working a great miracle; for though it filled to the gunwale, it could not sink. I had with me relics of the blessed Martin and other saints, by the miraculous power of which I believe that we were saved. The boat put back to the bank from which we started, and was voided alike of the passengers and the water. The strangers were now kept out, and we crossed without further obstacle. The next morning I said farewell to the king, and took my departure.