R121: Propst A. von Hameln an Hildegard von Rupertsberg
Greeting and Self-Introduction
The provost of Hameln addresses Hildegard with reverent titles and humbly introduces himself as unworthy yet devoted in prayer.
Placed in Hameln. To Hildegard. Of Hildegard, of the rich gems. To the true bridegroom of Christ. Also formed by regular discipline. A. An unworthy provost under the Rule of Augustine, in Hameln. Devout in prayer, not in abstinence.
Remembered Love and Present Suffering
After a long break in spiritual affection, the writer recalls past encounters with Hildegard and describes unrelenting bodily weakness.
After a long stretch of time, spiritual love broke off. At last, a recurring sickness in my body. I have often taken on your presence in my mind. For you have known, daughter of Christ. When I once showed you my presence! An extraordinary weakness clings to my body. And this weakness does not yet let up, day or night! I am not slightly tormented.
Humility, Grace, and Ceaseless Prayer
Reflecting on human frailty and God's grace, the provost confesses his unworthiness and persistently offers prayers for others.
Human frailty is just as blind to divine vengeance. Whether I might fall into illness or temptation because of an increase in benefits — I didn't know. And by the grace of God I am what I am.✦ Because I don't stop offering the burden of small labor — as much in vigils as in prayers — to almighty God on behalf of various matters. An end to my labors — if it's permitted, most holy one — I beg you to grant. And trusting in God through the help of piety, I commend you — mother of your daughters. I beg to be an intermediary by the request of your help. I seek the help of your piety.
Appeal for Prayer and Farewell
The provost implores Hildegard's prayers for his weakness, asks for spiritual writings, and commends himself to her intercession with Christ.
I ask that my weakness be rescued through your prayers. For the constant prayer of a righteous person is powerful. But I am a sinner, and not a small one, dangerously overwhelmed by the weakness of my soul and body.1 I can't lay out everything. I ask that writings be sent to me to read. and if there are any matters among the divine mysteries that should be delegated. Farewell, my lady! And on my behalf, entreat your bridegroom.
Read the original Latin
Rrepositus in hamelen. hildegardi. Hildigardi pinguensium gemmę. christi uerę sponsę. regulari quoque disciplinę informatę. A. in augustini regula in hamelen indignus prouisor! deuote precis non abstinentiam.
Longeui temporis interuallo spiritalis caritatis. demum corporis mei egritudo crebra. presentiam tuam sepius adoptaui. Nouisti enim filia christi. dum tibi presentiam meam quondam exhibueram! eximium corpori meo inherere languorem. Quo nondum cessante die noctuque! non modice torqueor.
Veluti et humana fragilitas diuinę ultionis est ceca. si ob benefactorumque increscentiam in morbum seu temptationem inciderem non noui. et gratia dei sum id quod sum. quia pondus parui laboris tam in uigilijs quam in orationibus pro diuersis rebus omnipotenti deo exhibere non cesso! finem laborum si licet sanctissima ut remandes imploro. Et te matrem filiarum tuarum pietatis auxilio fisus in deum. opis postulatione internunciam esse deprecor. pietatis tuę auxilium quero.
precibus tuis meum erui languorem rogo. Multum enim ualet deprecatio iusti assidua. Ego uero peccator non modicus in infirmitate animę et corporis periculose obrutus. explicare multa nequeo. scripta mihi uisenda queso mitti. et si qua sunt in diuinis agenda misterijs delegari. Vale mi domina! et pro me sponsum tuum exora.
Scripture echoes
- ↩1Cor.15.10 — But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain; but I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
Notes
- 1 ↩The source reads 'anim' (abbreviated/variant of animae); rendered as 'soul' per lexeme policy.
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