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THE SEVENTH BOOK 183 38. Finally when those attacking the city saw that they could accomplish nothing, they sent secret messages to Mummolus saying : '^ Recognize your lord and finally give up your perversity. What madness possesses you to become a follower of an unknown man ? For your wife and your daughters have been captured and your sons have been already slain. What end are you coming to ? What do you expect except to perish ? He received their message and repHed: "Already, as I see, our kingdom has reached its end and its power fails. One thing is left ; if I learn that I have se- curity of life, I can relieve you of great trouble." When the mes- sengers left, bishop Sagittarius with Mummolus, Chariulf and Waddo hastened to the church and there they swore to one another that if they should be assured of Hfe they would give up their friendship for Gundovald and betray him to the enemy. The messengers returned and promised them security of life. And Mummolus said : Let this be done ; I will betray him into your hand and I will recognize my master the king and hasten to his presence." Then they promised that if he did this they would receive him to their friendship, and if they could not secure his pardon from the king they would place him in a church that he might avoid the punishment of death. This they promised with an oath and then departed. And Mummolus went to Gundovald with bishop Sagittarius and Waddo and said: You were present and know what oaths of faithfulness we took to you. But now accept whole- some counsel and go down from this city and present yourself to your brother as you have often desired to do. For we have spoken with these men and they have told us that the king does not wish to lose your support because too few remain of your family." But he understood their treachery and bursting into tears said : "It was at your invitation I came to these Gauls, and of my treas- ures comprising a great amount of silver and gold and various articles of value, some have been kept in Avignon and some have been taken by Gunthram Boso. And next to God's help I placed all my hope in you, and to you intrusted my counsels and by your help always wished to reign. Now let your settlement be with God if you have lied to me. For he will judge my cause." To this Mummolus replied : "We are not speaking deceitfully to you ; and lo ! brave men are standing at the gate awaiting your coming.