The Capture of Constantinople: The "Hystoria Constantinopolitana" of Gunther of Pairis

The Capture of Constantinople

THE CAPTURE OF CONSTANTINOPLE MUSLIM LANDS The Travels of Abbot Martin of Pairis PRINCIPALITIES OF RUSSIA Hystoria Constantinopolitana: The Capture of the City of Constantinople from which, among other relics, a large part of the Holy Cross was translated to Alsace 1 1. All manifestations of divine power excite such intensive wonder that unextraordinary phenomena should not be judged divine. Still, we are particularly in the habit of marveling at those great and difficult deeds which that divine power deigns to display through simple persons-persons who humbly in their own sight are the least of humanity and are deemed unequal to such tasks by others. For this reason, it is more marvelous that the people of the children of Israel were delivered from the tyranny of Pharaoh and out of the iron furnace of Egyptian slavery through Moses, a humble man who, holding no office," tended the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, than if this people had been freed through some very powerful king in mighty battle and by thousands of soldiers . So also it is with greater astonishment that we acknowledge the world received the faith of Christ through unsophisticated people-poor fishermen and unlettered persons-than if the religion of this Christian faith had been taught and established by the authority of Augustus Caesar, the learning of Plato, or the eloquence of Demosthenes or Cicero." Certainly, the less God's works are joined to human ability, the more the majesty of divine power shines forth within them." For this reason, it seemed acceptable for me to relate, although in a low and plain style and in straightforward discourse, 5 certain truly great and difficult deeds that the Lord has deigned to effect in our time through a certain rather modest and humble man to the praise and glory of His name, the pious memory? of this particular man, the perpetual felicity of our present place, and, most assuredly, the honor and delight of the entire German people or, more truly and importantly, for the consolation and protection of the whole Western Church. The pages of this story of ours will contain absolutely nothing false or doubtful." Rather, they will adhere to the true and strict sequence of events, just as this man, about whom we are about to say much, rather humbly and bash- 66 Chapter I fully" narrated the pure and simple story to us. We do not dare write about the praise and commendation of which this man is worthy lest he, who attributes everything to God and seeks to ascribe nothing to himself, be offended by his praises. Nevertheless, neither will we be able to keep entirely silent altogether, lest we do a clear injustice to God, the author of all these deeds, who is accustomed to exalt his humble people. Therefore we will be careful to balance our pen between the two, so that the mighty works of God, which were accomplished through him," might not lie concealed, and so that this man might remain undisturbed in his humility. Therefore, whoever is inspired to pick up this, our little book, or to read it, let him also zealously bring sagacity and diligence of mind to the things treated herein, which are meant to be minutely examined. For he will find here momentous, well-known events which would never have taken place or happened without divine direction. We also want the reader to be forewarned that even if things done by our own people appear impious, he must not doubt that they were, nevertheless, effected by the Divine Will, which is always and everywhere just.!" Let every man hear the joys I proclaim, and how great their number, And may my labor add to the glory and praise of God! Rich gifts of God, tokens of heavenly victory Brought to this spot; by right do I call them "joys." You did it; you made possible what was done, And you order it written; glory to you, Christ. You often rekindle revered memories of the Cross, And repeat, at any time, the old with the new; The things which happened by your pleasure are forever made new. Lest darkness hide them, you order them illuminated. Our age produces what no other time had yieldedSuch things have never been nor ever will be.!' Happy, indeed, are those to whom it has been given to see these things, Chapter 2 Which we see...