ST. EDWARD, KING & MARTYR, March 18th

Collect

O GOD, who reignest in glory over an everlasting kingdom : we beseech thee mercifully to behold thy family, who on this day call to remembrance blessed Edward thy King and Martyr ; and grant, that by his merits and intercession, they which now rejoice in his triumph may likewise attain to his reward in heaven. Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

For the legend

THIS Edward was the son of Edgar the Peaceful, King of all England. He was baptized by Archbishop Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, who fostered him in things spiritual, like as though he were his own son. When the lad was only thirteen years of age, King Edgar died, and his widow, who was Prince Edward's stepmother, strove to set her own son Ethelred on the throne, which same was but seven years of age. But the chief men of the realm chose Prince Edward, in accordance with his father's will. Thereupon the young King Edward submitted himself to the guidance of holy Dunstan, and other wise counsellors ; and he grew in favour with God and man as he grew in stature, and so gave promise of great things. But the enemy of all good stirred up the stepmother to plot his death (for so it hath ever been believed) that her own son might reign in his stead.

NOW when this excellent youth had reigned three years and eight months, it chanced that he went hunting one day in Warham Wood. And as he was fain to see his brother, whom he dearly loved, he went to the house of his stepmother which was hard by. Whereat they that were with him, took leave of him to continue their pastime, so that the King came alone to the house, suspecting no evil. And the wicked Dowager-Queen rejoiced that she had gotten a fit time to carry out her evil desire, and welcomed him, and bade bring him refreshment. Thereupon, whilst he was drinking of the cup which had been offered, a courtier who had just given him the kiss of peace stabbed him with a dagger.

THEN the King set spur to his horse, wherefrom he had not yet dismounted ; but he soon fell from the saddle, with one foot caught in a stirrup, and thus he was dragged to death. It was on March 18th, 987, that the young King thus went to God. And his stepmother caused his body to be flung in a marsh ; but it is said a great light revealed where it lay, whence it was taken and buried with honour. And afterwards, through the intercession of this holy youth in heaven, the stepmother repented, and built monasteries, into one of which she retired from the world, and did penance all the days of her life.

From the Anglican Breviary