Letter 3
6. Martin had known of his death long before it arrived, and he told the brothers that the end of his body was near. Meanwhile, an occasion arose for him to visit the parish of Candes. The clergy of that church were fighting among themselves, and Martin wanted to restore peace.
Martin departs from Tours, "accompanied as always by his very large and holy crowd of disciples". During the journey, Martin performs a miracle.
9. He was detained in that village or church to which he had gone for a considerable length of time. He restored peace among the clergy, and when he thought about returning to his monastery, he began to feel the strength suddenly ebbing out of his body.
Martin is lying on his deathbed, surrounded by mourning people. For several days he still teaches his disciples, prays, and holds vigils.
15. When the presbyters, who had gathered around him at that time, asked if he could relieve his body by rolling on his side, he said, "Permit, permit me, brothers to gaze upon heaven rather than earth, so that my spirit will be directed toward the way it must take in order to travel to the Lord."
16. After speaking these words, he saw the devil standing nearby. "Why do you stand there, cruelest of beasts?" he said. "You will discover nothing in me, unclean beast. I am being received into Abraham's bosom."
17. With these words, he offered his spirit to heaven.
(trans. Goodrich 2015: 62-64, slightly altered and summarized by J. Szafranowski)
