R27: Günther von Henneberg an Hildegard von Rupertsberg
Salutation and Blessing
The bishop of Speyer greets Hildegard with a formal salutation, gives thanks to the Holy Spirit for her influence, and expresses his willingness to support her church.
The bishop of Speyer. To Hildegard. Günther, by the grace of God, servant and bishop of the church of Speyer! To Hildegard, the mistress of the mount of Saint Robert in Pingis! Eternal greeting in Christ. That you are a good fragrance to those far off as well as to those near. And we give thanks to the Holy Spirit for the comfort that is in divine piety for all who seek you. And so your love ought to hold it as certain that we see with a willing mind the honor and benefit of your church.
Promise of Support and Request for Prayer
The bishop pledges his devotion to Hildegard's church, asks for her intercessory prayers, and assures her of a fitting reward in return for her spiritual support.
And we will gladly do all we can to devote our will to the advancement of your church. And we earnestly ask your holiness to intercede with God for us, for the love we bear you. And may you make God favorable to us through your prayers! And you should know this beyond all doubt. That if God grants us life, you will not lack a fitting reward. For it is only right that you bestow the support of your prayers on us. Just as we too are concerned for your needs.
Desire for a Reply
The bishop closes by expressing his longing to receive letters from Hildegard in return.
We also long for your letters back to us.
Read the original Latin
Episcopus spirensis. hildegardi. Gunterus dei gratia spirensis ęcclesię minister et episcopus! hildegardi magistrę de monte sancti roberti in pingis! salutem eternam in christo. Quod bonus odor es tam remotis quam uicinis. et de spiritu sancto solamen omnibus te querentibus diuinę pietati gratias referimus. Vnde et certum habere debet dilectio tua quod honorem et utilitatem ęcclesię tuę libenti animo uidemus!
et modis omnibus quibus uoluntatem nostram in prouectum eiusdem ęcclesię tuę effectui mancipare poterimus libenter faciemus. Rogamus autem intime sanctitatem tuam quatenus pro dilectione nostra deum pro nobis interpellas. et orationibus tuis eum nobis placabilem facias! et scias omni ambiguitate remota. quod si deus uitam nobis concesserit. non carebis honesta remuneratione. Nam iustum est ut orationum tuarum suffragia nobis impendas! sicut et nos de necessitate tua sollicitamur.
Rescripta quoque tua ad nos desideramus.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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