tion of the body of
the blessed Sebastian,[35] and of the neglected tombs of
the martyrs, of which there is such a prodigious number at
Rome; and the conversation having turned towards the
dedication of our new basilica, I began to inquire how it
might be possible for me to obtain some of the true relics
of the saints which rest at Rome. He at first hesitated, and
declared that he did not know how that could be done. But
observing that I was both anxious and curious about the
subject, he promised to give me an answer some other day.

When I returned to the question some time afterwards, he
immediately drew from his bosom a paper, which he begged me
to read when I was alone, and to tell him what I was
disposed to think of that which was therein stated. I took
the paper and, as he desired, read it alone and in secret.
(Cap. i. 2, 3.)

I shall have occasion to return to Deacon Deusdona's conditions, and
to what happened after Eginhard's acceptance of them. Suffice it, for
the present, to say that Eginhard's notary, Ratleicus (Ratleig), was
despatched to Rome and succeeded in securing two bodies, supposed to
be those of the holy martyrs Marcellinus and Petrus; and when he had
got as far on his homeward journey as the Burgundian town of
Solothurn, or Soleure,[36] 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,[37] and landing on the east bank of the river, at
the fifth station thence they arrived at Michilinstadt,[38]
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 fr