Chapter 14

Of the antiphoner.

A CERTAIN man had removed secretly from the church a book which we call an antiphoner, which -- and because there was not at that time a large number of books in the place -- was necessary to those that should sing in the church. When, therefore, it was anxiously sought and not found at all, it was told to Rahere the prior what had happened concerning the book, who with quiet mind bore such a loss calmly enough. At night, however, when in his accustomed manner he had given himself to sleep in his chamber, lo, the glorious apostle of God, Bartholomew, appeared and addressing the prior, said -- "Tell me, Rahere, what is that for the loss of which ye thus complain when I am nigh." And he replied -- "My lord, the clerks had that in which to the honour of God and of thee they were wont to sing in the holy temple of thy glory, and now whether it is hidden somewhere, or by chance removed by some thief they know not." "At early morning" [literally "at the top of the morning"] -- quoth he -- "bid thy horse be saddled and hastily enter the city and when thou comest to the Jews' street [the Old Jewry] spare thy spurs, loose thy reins, and leave thy horse to my guidance, then into whatsoever house thy horse shall of his own accord set his foot, in the same house, taught by me, know well without any doubt is held the book of which thou hast spoken and, doubting nothing, shrewdly and firmly inquire."

And saying no more than this in a moment he disappeared. But Rahere, when it was light, leaping from his couch carefully followed the commands which had been given him and, speaking peaceably with the enemies of peace, found the book which he sought, took it, and carried it home.

 

The Book of the Foundation of St. Bartholomew's, Smithfield Rendered into Modern English from the original Latin version preserved in the British Museum, numbered Vespasian B. IX, by Mr. Humphrey H. King and Mr. William Barnard for use in the Records of St. Bartholomew's Priory by E.A. Webb.

Rahere's Garden Home tbird's home page Photographs and text copyright Tina Bird, 2003-2008 Last modified 12 December 2008