R221: Hermann von St. Martin in Mainz an Hildegard von Rupertsberg
Greeting and Humble Reverence
Hermann introduces himself as an unworthy deacon and expresses heartfelt reverence and sincere love for Hildegard.
Hermannus, a deacon. To Hildegard. To the most reverent lady and most beloved mother, Hildegard. Hermannus. An unworthy deacon of the church of Saint Martin in Mainz. It is a small thing that I have. I don't need to write about how deeply my heart bows before your holiness — and with how sincere a love I hold you in my heart.
Desire for Consolation and Hindered Visit
Hermann expresses his longing to be consoled by Hildegard's letters and presence, but explains he is hindered by bodily weakness and hopes to see her when God wills.
I am ready to serve you in every way, if you have deigned to make use of our service, such as it is. With what deep longing I would wish to be consoled by your letters again and again! Because the splendor of divine wisdom, which illuminates you within, this is what reveals itself to you. I myself had intended just now to see you and to be consoled by your words. But I'm hindered by the weakness of my body. And for the time being I'm unable to come. Yet when the opportunity is given, God willing, I'll see you.
Prayer Request and Humble Service
Hermann asks for Hildegard's prayers, commends his life to God's will, and requests the comfort of her writings through the present messenger.
And that in the meantime I can't seek out your writings as I'd like— with the living voice I will seek. In the meantime, most beloved mother, I ask that you pray to the Creator and Redeemer for us. that in this way he may arrange our life to all his will. so that he may be pleased with himself in us. I also ask: if you have needed anything from our service, command whatever seems right to you. But I also want to be consoled again through your writings by the messenger here present.
Benediction and Closing
Hermann closes with a blessing asking God to preserve and illuminate Hildegard, and offers his reverent duty to her.
May God see fit to preserve you and always illuminate you with his Holy Spirit. Most blessed mother, to be honored by me with every duty of reverence.
Read the original Latin
Hermannus dechanus. hildegardi. Hildigardi reuerentissimę dominę ac dilectissimę matri. hermannus. de sancto Martino moguntinę ęcclesię dechanus indignus. modicum id quod est. Necessarium mihi non est scribere quanta ueneratione mens mea sanctitati uestrę substrata sit. quam sincera caritate uos diligam.
quam paratus subseruire uobis si dignata fueritis uti nostro qualicumque seruitio. quanto desiderio scriptis uestris sepius consolari cupiam! quia splendor diuinę sapientię qui uos intus illuminat. hęc uobis reuelat. Ipse quidem proposueram modo uidere uos et uestris sermonibus consolari. sed infirmitate corporis prepeditus sum. et ad presens uenire non possum. Cum autem data fuerit oportunitas deo uolente uidebo uos.
et quod scriptis a uobis querere interim non possum! uiua uoce requiram. Interim rogo dilectissima mater ut oretis pro me creatorem et redemptorem nostrum! ut sic ad omnem uoluntatem suam uitam nostram componat. quatenus sibi ipsi in nobis complaceat. Etiam rogo! si quid de seruicio nostro indigueritis precipiatis quicquid uobis uidetur. Sed et scriptis uestris per presentem nuncium iterum consolari cupio.
Deus uos conseruare et spiritu sancto suo semper illustrare dignetur. omni mihi uenerationis officio colenda beatissima mater.
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