The Book of Emperors: A Translation of the Middle High German Kaiserchronik

VI. Faustinian

93 VI Faustinian This story has roots in possibly the oldest surviving novel with Christian themes, The Recognitions of Saint Clement, written in Syria in the early third century. The title reflects the climax of the original story near the end, when young Clement in separate scenes recognizes his brothers, mother and finally his father after long separations. In medieval Europe it became the basis for a shorter Life of Saint Clement. Both works were found in monastery libraries with some frequency, and our author appears to have drawn primarily upon the Life but occasionally upon the older Recognitions. The Clement in question is Pope Clement I, a martyr from the last decade of the first century. Very little is known about him, although from a letter attributed to him, he appears to have been a sophisticated theologian, reflected perhaps in the lengthy disputations of the Recognitions, shortened somewhat in the Life. The name “Faustinian” appears in the Life but not the Recognitions as a relative of Augustus Caesar, but not a brother of Claudius nor an emperor himself. The version of the story below highlights differences between the just ruler, Faustinian, and the tyrant, Claudius. It gives a good indication of our author’s idea of proper education for a young ruler-to-be, a combination of Spartan-like physical discipline and “learning the books.” Finally , it dramatizes the early spread of Christianity under Saint Peter’s guidance and the triumph of the Christian faith over astrology and pagan philosophy, both through rational debate and miracles. 94 Chapter Six one book tells us that Faustinian then held the Empire. Claudius was his brother, and he did him plenty of harm. Faustinian took a lady named Mähtilt for his wife, who was as dear to him as life itself. She was extremely true to him. In fact, she came by many virtues naturally. Like him, she came of imperial lineage. The love of the two for each other gave them great joy. Hail to the moment in which they were born into this world! What a great harvest of good deeds they offered God! Not much time passed before the mother was carrying children; yes, she delivered twin sons. Owî! How glad the father was at this! One son was named Faustin, the other Faust. As the boys grew, the Romans busied themselves, each trying to outdo the other, to see what could be done to keep the boys raised in a way that did credit to their lineage. They were to become the worthiest lords of all, coming as they did from the highestranking families, although as children they were to suffer deprivation and weary suffering, which afterwards they overcame very well, as they earned eternal life for themselves. Faustinian had one brother named Claudius, and the devil put him up to going to the queen. He put his arms around her and squeezed her to his chest, making her aware of his evil lust. He said that he really wanted to make love to her—he could not conceal it any longer—and that if she would not help him out of his suffering he would have to give up living, for he was miserable enough to be ready to die. He insisted that what would become of him depended on her grace. All this greatly troubled the lady. “I will tell you, milord, what you should do,” said the lady. “Spare me such words as these, for they frighten me. My husband is very dear to me, and you should stop talking to me this way. It will not do you any good. I do not have that sort of feeling for you. I shall never turn to fill your desires, for to do so would also bring shame upon my noble house. Also if my lord should find out about this, we would pay for it dearly.” Claudius responded that he could not live without the fulfillment of his wishes. His burden was so great that he was prepared to die or accept whatever was to become of him. He said he could not go on living the way he was, and that he was in such agony in striving for her love that he had begun to doubt whether he was still completely sane. Faustinian 95 The good lady gathered her thoughts together in a virtuous way. She decided not to tell...