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Life of St Wilfrid

Eddius Stephanus, tr. Colgrave, 1927

42. How Ceadwalla Became King

Now in those days, when by the labours of our bishop the Church of God was increasing abundantly from day to day and the glory of His name was growing wondrously, there came a certain exile of noble descent from the desert places of Chiltern and the Weald whose name was Ceadwalla. He earnestly asked for the friendship of our holy father, praying Wilfrid to be his true father, to teach and help him, while he, on his side, promised him with a vow that he would be an obedient son. This compact, which they undertook with God as their witness, was faithfully fulfilled. For the holy bishop of Christ helped the exile, who was often in difficulties, assisting and supporting him in various ways, and strengthened him until he was powerful enough to overcome his enemies and to get the kingdom. When Ceadwalla had come to the throne and, after slaying or subduing his foes, was reigning over all the land of the West Saxons, he immediately, in all humility, summoned St Wilfrid our bishop to come to him; for Wilfrid, who was converting the heathen population of Sussex to God, and through his efforts wondrously glorifying the name of the Lord, was his venerable father and dearest of all to him. As soon as our holy and venerable father had arrived, King Ceadwalla made him supreme counsellor over the whole kingdom, just as the King of Egypt, when Joseph had been taken from prison, made him, in the words of the prophet, “lord of his house...to teach wisdom.” Then was our holy bishop uplifted by God, and King Ceadwalla in his victory rewarded him with innumerable pieces of land and other gifts out of the love of his heart and for God’s sake, and honoured his father exceedingly. His kingdom he courageously kept safe either by the edge of his sword as a victor in battle or by treaty as a supporter of peace.