Even before he opened his mouth the greater part of those present cried out, "We abjure the mortal gods; we are ready to follow the immortal God whom Remi preacheth." About three thousand Frankish warriors, however, persisted in their intention of remaining pagans, and deserting Clovis, betook themselves to Ragnacaire, the Frankish king of Cambrai, who was destined ere long to pay dearly for this acquisition.

So soon as St.Remi was informed of this good disposition on the part of king and people, he fixed Christmas Day of this year, 496, for the ceremony of the baptism of these grand neophytes.

The description of it is borrowed from the historian of the church of Rheims, Frodoard by name, born at the close of the ninth century.

He gathered together the essential points of it from the _Life of Saint Remi,_ written, shortly before that period, by the saint's celebrated successor at Rheims, Archbishop Hincmar.

"The bishop," says he, "went in search of the king at early morn in his bed-chamber, in order that, taking him at the moment of freedom from secular cares, he might more freely communicate to him the mysteries of the holy word.