Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

CHAP. XXXI. Of one that was cured of a palsy at his tomb.
THERE was in that same monastery a brother whose name was Badudegn, who had for no
small time ministered to the guests of the house, and is still living, having the testimony of all the
brothers and strangers resorting thither, of being a man of much piety and religion, and serving the
146
The Venerable Bede
Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

---

office put upon him only for the sake of the heavenly reward. This man, having one day washed
in the sea the coverings or blankets which he used in the guest chamber, was returning home, when
on the way, he was seized with a sudden infirmity, insomuch that he fell to the ground, and lay
there a long time and could scarce at last rise again. When he got up, he felt one half of his body,
from the head to the foot, struck with palsy, and with great trouble made his way home by the help
of a staff. The disease increased by degrees, and as night approached, became still worse, so that
when day returned, he could scarcely rise or walk alone. Suffering from this trouble, he conceived
the wise resolve to go to the church, as best he could, and approach the tomb of the reverend father
Cuthbert, and there, on his knees, humbly beseech the mercy of God that he might either be delivered
from that disease, if it were well for him, or if by the grace of God it was ordained for him to be
chastened longer by this affliction, that he might bear the pain which was laid upon him with
patience and a quiet mind.
He did accordingly as he had determined, and supporting his weak limbs with a staff, entered
the church. There prostrating himself before the body of the man of God, he prayed with pious
earnestness, that, through his intercession, the Lord might be propitious to him. As he prayed, he
seemed to fall into a deep sleep, and, as he was afterwards wont to relate, felt a large and broad
hand touch his head, where the pain lay, and likewise pass over all that part of his body which had
been benumbed by the disease, down to his feet. Gradually the pain departed and health returned.
Then he awoke, and rose up in perfect health, and returning thanks to the Lord for his recovery,
told the brothers what had been done for him; and to the joy of them all, returned the more zealously,
as if chastened by the trial of his affliction, to the service which he was wont before to perform
with care.
Moreover, the very garments which had been on Cuthbert’s body, dedicated to God, either
while he was alive, or after his death, were not without the virtue of healing, as may be seen in the
book of his life and miracles, by such as shall read it.