is homeward journey as the Burgundian town of Solothurn, or
Soleure,[18] notary Ratleig despatched to his master, at St. Bavon, a
letter announcing the success of his mission.

As soon as by reading it I was assured of the arrival of the
saints, I despatched a confidential messenger to Maestricht to
gather together priests, other clerics, and also laymen, to go out
to meet the coming saints as speedily as possible. And he and his
companions, having lost no time, after a few days met those who had
charge of the saints at Solothurn. Joined with them, and with a
vast crowd of people who gathered from all parts, singing hymns,
and amidst great and universal rejoicings, they travelled quickly
to the city of Argentoratum, which is now called Strasburg. Thence
embarking on the Rhine, they came to the place called Portus,[19]
and landing on the east bank of the river, at the fifth station
thence they arrived at Michilinstadt,[20] accompanied by an immense
multitude, praising God. This place is in that forest of Germany
which in modern times is called the Odenwald, and about six leagues
from the Maine. And here, having found a basilica recently built by
me, but not yet consecrated, they carried the sacred remains into
it and deposited them therein, as if it were to be their final
resting-place. As soon as all this was reported to me I travelled
thither as quickly as I could. (Cap. ii. 14.)

Three days after Eginhard's arrival began the series of wonderful events
which he narrates, and for which we have his personal guarantee. The
first thing that he notices is the dream of a servant of Ratleig, the
notary, who, being set to watch the holy relics in the church after
vespers, went to sleep and, during his slumbers, had a vision of two
pigeons, one white and one gray and white, which came and sat upon the
bier over the relics; while, at the same time, a voice ordered the man
to tell his master that the holy martyrs had chosen another
resting-place and desired to be transported thither without delay.

Unfortunately, the saints seem to have forgotten to mention where they
wished to go; and, with the most anxious desire to gratify their
smallest wishes, Eginhard was naturally greatly perplexed what to do.
While in this state of mind, he was one day contemplating his "great and
wonderful treasure, more precious than all the gold in the world