Edith of Wilton, St. (prosperous war) In Christian legend, daughter of King Edgar of England. Feast, 16 September. Edith’s mother was a beautiful nun, Wilfrida, who was taken by the king to be his mistress. As soon as she could, Wilfrida escaped and returned to her nunnery, but she bore a child, Edith. The girl stayed with her mother in the convent but spent most of her time dressing up in costly array. St. Ethelwold, who often visited the convent, rebuked the girl for her dress. She replied, “Pride may exist under the garb of wretchedness and a mind may be pure under these rich garments as under tattered ones.”

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante