|
|
The
Miracle of Queen Margaret’s Book
She
had a book of the Gospels beautifully adorned with jewels and
gold, and ornamented with the figures of the four Evangelists,
painted and gilt. The capital letters throughout the volume were
also resplendent with gold.
For this volume she always had a greater affection than she had
for any others she was in the habit of reading. It happened that
while the person who was carrying it was crossing a ford, he let
the volume, which had been
carelessly folded in a wrapper, fall into the middle of the stream,
and, ignorant of what had occurred, he quietly continued his journey.
But when he afterwards wished to produce the book, he, for the
first time, became aware
that he had lost it. It was sought for a long time, but was not
found. At length it was found at the bottom of the river, lying
open, so that its leaves were kept in constant motion by the action
of the water, and the little coverings of silk which protected
the letters of gold from being injured by the contact of the leaves,
were carried away by the force of the current. Who would imagine
that the book would be worth anything after what
had happened to it? Who would believe that even a single letter
would have been visible? Yet of a truth it was taken up from the
river so perfect, uninjured and free from damage, that it looked
as though it had not even been touched by the water, let others
consider what they should think of this, but as for me I am of
the opinion that this miracle was wrought by our Lord
because of His love for this venerable Queen.
Turgot,
The Life of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland (early 12th century)
Return
To Scottish Anecdotes Page 5
|
|