Although he was completely illiterate, if he looked at a book which was incorrect, which contained some false statement, or which aimed at deceiving … - Gerald of Wales

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Although he was completely illiterate, if he looked at a book which was incorrect, which contained some false statement, or which aimed at deceiving the reader, he immediately put his finger on the offending passage. If you asked him how he knew this, he said that a devil first pointed out the place with its finger…When he was harried beyond endurance by these unclean spirits, Saint John’s Gospel was placed on his lap, and then they all vanished immediately, flying away like so many birds. If the Gospel were afterwards removed and the History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth put there in its place, just to see what would happen, the demons would alight all over his body, and on the book, too, staying there longer than usual and being even more demanding.

English
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About Gerald of Wales

Gerald of Wales (c. 1146 – c. 1223) was a churchman and writer of Welsh birth, and of mixed Welsh and Norman ancestry. He was born Gerald de Barri, but as an author is usually known as Giraldus Cambrensis or as Gerald of Wales.

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Giraldus Cambrensis Girardus Barrius Girald de Barri Sylvester Giraldus Gerald de Barri Giraldo Cambrense Gerald de Barry Silvester Giraldus Cambrensis Girauld de Barri Gerallt Gymro Giraldo di Barri Giraud de Barri Giraud le Cambrien Sylvester Cambrensis Giraldus de Barri Silvester G. Cambrensis Giraldo Cambrese
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Additional quotes by Gerald of Wales

It is only in the case of musical instruments that I find any commendable diligence in the [Irish] people. They seem to me to be incomparably more skilled in these than any other people that I have seen. The movement is not, as in the British instrument to which we are accustomed, slow and easy, but rather quick and lively, while at the same time the melody is sweet and pleasant. It is remarkable how, in spite of the great speed of the fingers, the musical proportion is maintained. The melody is kept perfect and full with unimpaired art through everything – through quivering measures and the involved use of several instruments – with a rapidity that charms, a rhythmic pattern that is varied and a concord achieved through elements discordant.

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Hoc autem mihi notabile videtur, quod sicut nationis istius homines hac in vita mortali prae aliis gentibus impatientes et praecipites sunt ad vindictam, sic et in morte vitali meritis jam excelsi, prae aliarum regionum sanctis, animi vindicis esse videntur.

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