E00635: In his Letter 3, Sulpicius Severus pretends to reproach his mother-in-law, Bassula, sojourning in Trier, for publishing his writings on *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050). He also describes Martin's death in an unnamed village (otherwise identified with Candes) and his funeral in Tours (Gaul).Letter written in Latin, in Primuliacum or Toulouse (south west Gaul), in 397.

Sulpicius Severus, Letter 3, to Bassula

Sulpicius Severus pretends to reproach his mother-in-law, Bassula for copying and publishing without his consent his letter to the deacon Aurelius (Letter 2, $E00693), bringing news of Martin's death, as well as his other writings. Yet at the same time he yields to Bassula's wish and describes Martin's last days, death in a village, and funeral in Tours, begging or rather pretending to beg her to keep the letter for herself.

The letter descrubes the last miracle of Martin who chased away birds of prey by his word, his last confrontation with the devil who appeared at his deathbed, and the unusual whiteness of his dead body and angelic face. There follows a description of the funeral in which crowds of peasants, inhabitants of Tours and other cities, monks, and consecrated virgins took part. The funeral procession is presented as better than the imperial triumph. Finally, the belief in Martin's posthumous protection is expressed in the following words:

Letter 3.21
Conparetur si placet saecularis illa pompa non dicam funeris sed triumphi quid simile Martini exequiis aestimabitur.Ducant illi prae curribus suis vinctos post terga captivos Martini corpus hi qui mundum ductu illius vicerant prosequuntur. Illos confusis plausibus populorum honoret insania Martino divinis plauditur psalmis Martinus hymnis caelestibus honoratur. Illi post triumphos suos in Tartara saeva trudentur Martinus Abrahae sinu laetus excipitur Martinus pauper et modicus caelum dives ingreditur. Illinc nos ut spero custodiens me haec scribentem respicit te legentem.

'Let there be compared with this spectacle, I will not say the worldly pomp of a funeral, but even of a triumph; and what can be reckoned similar to the obsequies of Martin? Let them lead before their chariots captives with their hands bound behind their backs. Those accompanied the body of Martin who, under his guidance, had overcome the world. Let madness honour these earthly warriors with the united praises of nations. Martin is praised with the divine psalms, Martin is honored in heavenly hymns. They, after their triumphs here are over, shall be thrust into cruel Tartarus, while Martin is joyfully received into the bosom of Abraham. Martin, poor and insignificant on earth, has a rich entrance granted him into heaven. From that blessed region, as I trust, he looks upon me, as my guardian, while I am writing these things, and upon you while you read them.'

Text: Fontaine 1967. Translation: Roberts 1894, slightly modified. Summary: Robert Wiśniewski.