Arnulf of Metz (582–641)

Biography

At first, under Theodobert II, he worked as intendant of the royal estates. Clotario II appointed him, against his will, bishop of this town. His wife Dora entered a convent in Trier, and he was forced, despite his position, to continue administering state affairs as the king's advisor. In 629, after Dagobert came to the throne, Arnulf decided to leave the world. When he announced this to the new king, he, who had had him as a tutor, took up the sword to change his mind. But Arnulfo, who also knew how to handle weapons, appeased him without difficulty and they parted as good friends. With his friend Saint Romaric, who had fled the court like him, Arnulf retired to the forest of Habend. Each one built his hermitage on two neighboring hills, and they saw each other from time to time. Arnulfo lived happily for eleven years, with no other company than the songs of the birds. Out of humility he considered himself a great sinner, although he had always been pious. He reproached himself, above all, for having wasted time with the corrupt and murderers who had succeeded Clovis. In the letter he wrote to Romarico before he died, he says: "I have done nothing good here below; I am burdened with faults; dear friend, implore divine mercy for me."