"[3]
From a legend on this subject given by M. de Plancy, it would appear
that Charles received the second name, Martel, in honour of his patron
saint St. Martin.
Not having at present an opportunity of consulting the works of our own
modern writers on early French history, I am ignorant if they also have
adopted the version given in the _Chronicle of St. Denis_. Mr. Ince, in
his little work, _Outlines of French History_, states, that "he received
the surname of _Martel_, or the Hammerer, from the force with which he
_hammered_ down the Saracens--_martel being the name of a weapon which
the ancient Franks used, much resembling a hammer_,--and from his
strokes falling numberless and effectual on the heads of his enemies."
Query.--Which of the two is the more probable version? Perhaps some one
of your numerous correspondents may be enabled to throw addition light
on this disputed point.
G.J.K.
[Footnote 2: This same Alpheide, or Alpaide, as she was
frequently called, though but scurvily treated by posterior
historians, is honoured by contemporary chroniclers as the
second wife of Peppin, _uxor altera_. See Fredegaire.]
[Footnote 3: _Legendes de l'Histoire de France_, par J. Collin
de Plancy, p. 149. (notes.) Paris. Mellier Freres.]
* * * * *
BODENHAM AND LING.
Referring to BOOKWORM's note at p.
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