From The Lives of the Popes from the Time of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Accession of Gregory VII. Written Originally in Latin by B. Platina, Native of Cremona, and translated into English (from an anonymous translation, first printed in 1685 by Sir Paul Rycaut), Edited by William Benham, Volume I, London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden & Welsh, [1888, undated in text]; p. 258.
The Lives of the Popes,
BY
B. Platina
Volume I.
DOMNUS II.
A.D. 974-975.
DOMNUS the Second, a Roman, a man of great moderation, and though there was nothing done by him worthy of high commendation, yet he was never charged with any injustice or dishonourable action. There were, however, many memorable actions of great and of holy men which render his time not altogether obscure. For in his time Baianus, a great magician, prince of the Bulgarians, so harassed with war Basilius and his son Constantine, Emperor of Constantinople, that he narrowly missed of taking the town, which by the negligence of the Greeks was left almost empty; but at last upon hard terms a peace was concluded between them. Adalbertus, also a Bohemian, bishop of Prague, flourished now, who was a man of so great sanctity that he (by the impulse of the Divine Spirit) travelled into Hungary, and baptized the king thereof, and by his good life and godly example taught the bishops of the country to seek the grace of God; from whence passing into Prussia, preaching the gospel of Christ with great diligence, he was there crowned with martyrdom. At this time too St Edward, king of England, was for his sanctity in great honour; but was murdered by the fraud and villainy of his stepmother. Richardus the historian adds to these St Maiolus, abbot of Clugni, who left a great name behind him for his miracles and holy life. Domnus died in the first year of his pontificate, and was buried in St Peter’s Church, whereupon the see was vacant two days.
Previous Pope: 139. Boniface VII. 140. Domnus II. Next Pope: 141. Benedict VII.