Martin Heals a Mute Girl

“You have gathered to hear me, my devout and eloquent friends. But, as I take it, you have brought to the task ears that are devout rather than learned, for you are to listen to me simply as a witness to the faith, and not as one who speaks with an orator’s fluency. Now, I will not repeat the things that were said yesterday. Those who did not hear them can learn them from the written record. Postumianus expects something new, since he means to make known what he hears to the East, so that the East may not rate itself above the West when Martin is brought into the comparison. [a]

“First, I am inclined to tell of an incident that Refrigerius has just whispered in my ear. It took place in the city of the Carnutes. A certain father of a family ventured to bring his twelve-year-old daughter to Martin. She had been mute from birth, and he begged the blessed man to loosen her tied tongue by his pious merits. Martin deferred to the bishops Valentinus and Victricius, who happened to be at his side just then. He declared that he was not equal to so great a task, but that nothing was impossible for them, as though they were holier than he. But they joined their devout pleas, with humble voices, to the father’s, and begged Martin to do what was hoped for. He delayed no longer. He was admirable on both counts, first in showing humility, and then in not putting off an act of devotion. He ordered the crowd of people standing around to be sent away, and with only the bishops and the girl’s father present, he lay face down in prayer, as he usually did. Then he blessed a little oil while he spoke the words of exorcism, and holding the girl’s tongue with his fingers, he poured the consecrated liquid into her mouth. Nor did the outcome of this act of power disappoint the holy man. He asked her the name of her father, and she answered at once. The father cried out with joy and tears together, clasping Martin’s knees, and while everyone around was amazed, he declared that he was hearing his daughter’s voice then for the first time. And so that this may not seem unbelievable to anyone, let Evagrius, who is here, give you his testimony to its truth, for the thing took place in his very presence.