Gregory
of Tours, Histories, book II chapter 5(6). O.M. Dalton trans., 1927, II p.46.
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But Attila, king of the Huns, going
forth from Metz, subdued many cities of Gaul; and he came to Orleans, and
battered it with rams, striving so to take the city. At that time the most
blessed Anianus was bishop in this city, a man eminent in wisdom and renowned
for holiness, the record of whose virtuous deeds are faithfully preserved among
us. When the beleaguered people cried out to their bishop to know what they
should do, he, trusting in God, enjoined them all to prostrate themselves in
prayer, and with tears to implore the help of God, ever present in time of
need. And while they prayed according to his bidding, the bishop cried: 'Look
forth from the city wall, if haply the pity of God succour us.' For he deemed
that by the mercy of the Lord Aëtius should come, whom before he had visited in
Arles, foreseeing that which might come to pass. So they looked out from the
wall, but saw no man. Then he said: 'Pray in faith; for this day shall the Lord
deliver you.' And while they continued praying he said: 'Look once more.' And
when they looked they saw none that might succour them. He said to them a third
time: 'If ye seek Him in faith, the Lord cometh among us right soon.' Again
with many tears and lamentations they besought the compassion of the Lord. But
when their prayer was done, they looked forth from the wall a third time as the
old man bade them, and behold they saw afar off as it might be a cloud rising
from the earth. And they brought the bishop the news, and he said: 'It is the
succour of the Lord.' And now the walls were already shaking under the shock of
the rams, and on the point of falling, when behold Aëtius came; and Theodoric,
king of the Goths, and Thorismond, his son, with their armies swiftly advanced
upon the town, and cast forth and flung back the enemy. The city thus freed by
the intercession of the blessed bishop, they put Attila to flight, who withdrew
to the plain of Méry, and disposed his forces for battle. Which when they
heard, they manfully made them ready against him.
