Reading #26: DE REGIBUS SANCTIS; Translation
Can kings also be holy? kings who hold command and power often desire foreign fields, often for the glory of war, lead great excited armies against the nearby tribes and kings. Often they also fear and kill their brothers lest they attack their power by means of an army. The kings, nevertheless are able to be holy. For St. Steven could hold power, wage war, and nevertheless love God. Steven was the king of Hungary and led his people to the Christian faith.
Once a certain man came to Steven in order to kill him. It was the night and Steven was sleeping. With those he might approach towards the king, the sword suddenly fell from is hand. Steven, knew this with counsel, nor did he move, nor was he disturbed, "if God is with me," he said, "what will be against me?"
Furthermore, Wenceslaus, king of Bohemia had been able to be both holy and a king. Once, Rastilaus, the leader of the neighboring tribes, waged war against Wenceslaus. He was desirous for the power of Bohemia. Wenceslaus sent legions to him which treated from friendship and peace. Nevertheless, he was not able to strengthen friendship. And so, he strived against that with all of his troops. With already he might approach the enemy. Wenceslaus, lest there be slaughter, he treated rationally against new battles. (Here Wenceslaus proposed that the two kings kings settle the war by single combat in order to save their soldier's lives. Ratislaus accepted.) And so, the kings halted among the the armies in order to fight between them. But Ratislaus was not able to send the dart into the holy Wenceslaus. Therefore, he thanked God for defeating, and strengthened friendship with him. Thus, the servants and soldiers are alive and powerful in Bohemia.