E02808: Gregory of Tours, in his Miracles of Martin (1.9), recounts how a storm on a lake was calmed after Baudinus, bishop of Tours (c. 546-552), prayed to *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050). Written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 573/576.

Gregory of Tours, Miracles of Martin (Libri de virtutibus sancti Martini episcopi) 1.9

When Baudinus was crossing a lake, a storm suddenly got up and threatened to swamp the boat. Baudinus sought the assistance of Martin through prayer.

Tunc resolutis timore membris, et omnibus sine spe vitae iam mori paratis, prosternitur senior in oratione cum lacrimis, et geminas tendens palmas ad astra, beati Martini auxilium precabatur et, ut sibi dignaretur adesse, velociter proclamabate. Unus autem ex perfidis dicit: 'Martinus ille quem invocas iam te dereüquit nec tibi in hac necessitate succurrit'. Vere credo, hanc vocem ab insidiatore fuisse prolatam, ut beatum sacerdotem ab oratione turbaret. Sed ille hunc iaculum fidei lorica repellens, magis ac magis sancti viri praesidium flagitabat, simulque cohortans, ut omnes orarent. Cum haec agerentur, subito supervenit odor suavissimus quasi balsamum in navi, tamquam si eum turabulo aliquis circuiret, odor timiamatis efflagravit. Quo odore adveniente, cessit violentia saevam ventorum, elisisque aquarum adstantium molibus, redditur mare tranquillum. Mirantur omnes morte iam dediti fluctuum pacem et protinus, data serenitate, redduntur in litore.

'The [passengers’l limbs were paralyzed with fear, and without hope for life everyone was already prepared to die. The old man Baudinus was kneeling and weeping as he prayed; he stretched both hands to the stars, requested the assistance of the blessed Martin, and cried that he might deign to be with them quickly. But one of the unbelievers said: “That Martin whom you are addressing has already left you, and he has not helped you in this emergency.” I truly believe that this remark was made by the treacherous [devil] in order to disturb the blessed bishop while he was praying. But Baudinus repelled this javelin with the breastplate of faith and all the more requested the protection of the holy man. At the same time he urged everyone to pray. While this was happening, suddenly a very sweet fragrance like balsam covered the boat, and as if someone had gone around with a censer, the fragrance of incense was overpowering. At the approach of this fragrance the savagely violent winds stopped, the masses of nearby waves were crushed, and the lake became tranquil again. Everyone who had already been resigned to death marveled at the calmness of the waves, and once calm was restored, they were immediately returned to the shore.'

Text: Krusch 1969, 143-144. Translation: Van Dam 1993, 210-211.