“La notte di San Silvestro”

Maso di Banco, 'The Miracle of the Dragon (Fresco in the Capella di Bardi di Vernio, Santa Croce, Florence, c. 1335)

Two men were killed at the Roman Forum by the breath of a dragon, here read as the symbol of religious ignorance. Sylvester closed the dragon's throat so it would cause no further harm and he then revived the victims, much to the amazement of onlookers. In the fresco, the Roman Forum is rendered not as it looked in the fourth century when the scene occurred, but in its ruinous state of the 14th century when Maso painted it. The unoccupied buildings in the background, the dilapidated, cracked walls in which grass is growing and the marble rubble in front of the dragon's cave give visual expression to the decline of the ancient world. The fragment of a pier arcade and the one standing column nevertheless serve to remind us of the greatness and beauty of its architecture.

[Web Gallery of Art]

Agnolo Gaddi (Agnolo di Taddeo Gaddi), 'Saint Sylvester and the Dragon' (c. 1380-1385)

Pope Sylvester I (died 335) binds the mouth of a dragon, sealing off its poisonous breath, and revives the two victims who lie in the foreground. The crowned observer on the right is the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (ruled 306–337), who, according to legend, had been cured of leprosy by Sylvester.

[Philadelphia Museum of Art]

'The holy blisful martir for to seke...'

Childermas

With much feasting they fared the first and the next day,
and as heartily the third came hastening after:
the gaiety of Saint John's day was glorious to hear;
[with cheer of the choicest Childermas followed,]
and that finished their revels, as folk there intended,
for there were guests who must go in the grey morning.

As a boy in his early teens, St John the Beloved Disciple was of course the youngest of the Apostles. 'Now', says Guéranger, 'just as St Stephen is looked upon as the type of Martyrs, St John is honoured as the Prince of Virgins.'

Martyrdom won for Stephen the Crown and palm; Virginity merited for John most singular prerogatives, which, while they show how dear to God is holy Chastity, put this Disciple among those who by their dignity and influence are above the rest of men.

[Guéranger]

The line in square brackets in the first, verse quotation above is in fact Tolkien's own "reconstruction": he notes that his author seems to have missed out 28th December from Sir Gawain's busy schedule, but it is possible that he has misconstrued the mood of the day. There are in fact two traditional characteristics associated with the feast commemorating the Church's earliest and youngest martyrs - specifically tragedy and (as Roud puts it) 'a particular regard for children'. Fasting and penance on the part of adults would go hand-in-hand with a certain degree of licence for young ones, Boy Bishops, and so on.

[The Church] sanctions the practice, observed in Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches, of allowing young boys to share in the duties of the Choir, and blend their innocent chanting with that of the Ministers of God. She grants them several privileges, and takes pleasure in seeing the delight wherewith these children perform the several functions entrusted to them. This joy, this simplicity, this innocence, all add a charm to the divine Service; and through these youthful Choristers the Church pays honour to the Infant Jesus, and to the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem.

[Ibid.]

So soon around come cakes and ale

And time is for a story 

Then silent all who gather round

Hear tell of Jesus' glory. 

 

Then dance my dream to the magic of the bow

From dusk 'til early dawning
To find the earth serene and still 

This clear St. Stephen's morning.

'Eddi's Service'

The Crib in St Wilfrid's Chapel at the London Oratory (Photo: Mr Charles Cole)

EDDI, priest of St. Wilfrid

In his chapel at Manhood End,

Ordered a midnight service

For such as cared to attend.

But the Saxons were keeping Christmas,

And the night was stormy as well.

Nobody came to service,

Though Eddi rang the bell.

'Wicked weather for walking,'

Said Eddi of Manhood End.

'But I must go on with the service

For such as care to attend.

The altar-lamps were lighted, –

An old marsh-donkey came,

Bold as a guest invited,

And stared at the guttering flame.

The storm beat on at the windows,

The water splashed on the floor,

And a wet, yoke-weary bullock

Pushed in through the open door.

'How do I know what is greatest,

How do I know what is least?

That is My Father's business,'

Said Eddi, Wilfrid's priest.

'But – three are gathered together –

Listen to me and attend.

I bring good news, my brethren!'

Said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger

And a Stall in Bethlehem,

And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider,

That rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel,

They listened and never stirred,

While, just as though they were Bishops,

Eddi preached them The Word,

Till the gale blew off on the marshes

And the windows showed the day,

And the Ox and the Ass together

Wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him,

Said Eddi of Manhood End,

'I dare not shut His chapel

On such as care to attend.'