Lo! who can doubt that it was because of this believing man
that the victory was gained, since to him it was granted,
that he might not be cast, all weaponless, to the army?
Although, indeed, the beneficent Lord might easily
have preserved His champion safe and sound,
He prevented that battle, that Martin's eyes
might in no way be stained by other men's death.
What other victory could our Lord
have given for His champion's sake better than that,
that no man should die, but that they should come to peace?
IV. Then Martin quitted, as he had long ago intended,
worldly warfare and went to the holy man
Hilary, the bishop, in the town
which is called Poitiers, because he was experienced
in God's faith and in good doctrine,
and abode thereafter with the man some while.
Then the holy man desired to ordain him deacon,
but he frequently refused, saying that he was not worthy.
Then the bishop perceived that he might persuade him
if he offered him a lesser office, and offered him that he should be
ordained exorcist, as we call one who adjureth,
or one who commandeth devils that they should go out of possessed men.
And he then refused not the humble office,
but was so ordained by the holy bishop.
Then after some time he was admonished in a dream
that he ought to visit his native country and his home,
and father and mother who were wickedly heathen;
and he thereupon went by permission of the aforesaid bishop,
who earnestly besought him to come back again.
Then Martin journeyed to the distant land;
and when he came to the mountains, then met he with robbers,
