Ecclesiastical History of the English People

"I have, that is, pepper, stoles original: "oraria" — liturgical neckcloths, and incense; but run quickly, and bring the priests of our monastery to me, that I too may distribute such little gifts as God has given to them. For the rich in this world are eager to give gold, silver, and other precious things: but I, with much love and joy, will give to my brothers what God has given to me;" and this I did with trembling. And he addressed each one, warning and beseeching them to say masses and prayers for him: which they gladly promised to do.

'They all lamented and wept, mostly because he had said that they would no longer see his face in this world; but they rejoiced because he said, "It is time that I return to Him who made me, who created me, who formed me from nothing. I have lived a long time, the merciful Judge has well foreseen my life for me, the time of my release is at hand, for I desire to be released and to be with Christ:" having spoken thus and much else, he spent the day in joy until evening. And the aforementioned boy said, "There is still one sentence, dear master, that is not written down." But he said, "Write quickly." After a little while the boy said, "Now the sentence is written." And he said, "Good," he said, "you have spoken the truth, it is finished. Take my head into your hands, for it greatly delights me to sit opposite my holy place where I was accustomed to pray, so that I too, while sitting, may be able to call upon my Father." And thus on the floor of his cell, singing "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit," when he had named the Holy Spirit, he breathed out his last spirit from his body; and thus migrated to the heavenly kingdoms.

'All who heard or saw the passing of the blessed father said that they had never seen anyone else end his life with such great devotion and tranquility. Because, as you heard, as long as the soul was in the body, he sang "Glory be to the Father" and certain other spiritual things, and with expanded hands he did not cease to give thanks to the living and true God. Know, however, dearest brother, that I could tell many things about him, but the inexperience of my tongue makes for brevity of speech.'