VI.36
An anonymous cleric from Le Mans had a long-lasting affair with a certain woman from an esteemed family. He decided to move with her to another city, disguising her as a man. After some time, they were exposed. The dishonoured family of the woman burned her alive and held the cleric for ransom, threatening to kill him. Bishop Aetherius of Lisieux took pity on this cleric and paid twenty golden coins (aurei) for him.
In Lisieux, he presented himself as highly educated (doctor litterarum) and started teaching the boys from the city. His tuition was well-received by the citizens. He was also given a plot of land and a vineyard, and was invited to the homes of his pupils. He made advances to the mother of one of his students and was almost killed by her husband and other relatives. Once again, he was rescued by Aetherius, who reinstated him to his former position.
At this point, the cleric from Le Mans started to conspire against Bishop Aetherius to take his post. He was supported by the archdeacon of Lisieux. Together, they persuaded some cleric to kill Aetherius with an axe as he was inspecting the fields. The assassination was unsuccessful – Aetherius came back, ate supper, and lay down on a bed which was surrounded by the beds of his clergy. At midnight, the schemers entered the bishop's bedroom and started screaming that that they saw a woman there, who managed to run away. As a result, Aetherius was imprisoned. Freed by divine intervention, he fled to King Guntram.
The unfaithful cleric went to King Chilperic I – Lisieux was part of his kingdom – to obtain from him the bishopric of Lisieux. Chilperic, however, did not believe his accusations against Aetherius and sent him back. The citizens of Lisieux were angry with the cleric and archdeacon. They imprisoned and beat them, and petitioned to Chilperic to bring Aetherius back to them.
(ed. Krusch 1937: 306-308, summarised by J. Szafranowski)
