R36: Hildegard von Rupertsberg an Rudolf von Zähringen
The Mountain of Living Light
Hildegard describes a lofty mountain filled with flowers, fragrance, and divine light that had remained hidden in shadow until the coming of the Son of God.
Hildegard. O living light speaks. The ways of the Scriptures lead toward the lofty mountain, where flowers and the most precious spices grow, and where the sweetest wind blows, spreading a strong fragrance among them, and where roses and lilies show their splendid faces. This same mountain had not appeared before, because of the shadows of a blind and living air! because even the Son of the Most High had not yet illuminated the world.
Lament for a Clouded Age
The sun rises and reveals the mountain's fragrance to all peoples, yet shepherds are mourned because black clouds now cover it, blocking its goodness.
Then the sun comes from the dawn, illuminating this mountain! and all the peoples saw its fragrances. And the day is richly adorned! and a sweet report has arisen. O shepherds, now it is to be lamented and mourned! because in your time this mountain is covered with the blackest clouds! so that no good fragrance comes from it. But you — be a good shepherd!
The Eagle and the Good Shepherd
Hildegard exhorts Rudolf to be noble and eagle-like in contemplation, recalling the lost and exiles to their homeland and promising the reward of the faithful servant.
And noble in character. And as an eagle looks into the sun. So remember, and look to where you can recall the sluggish and the exiles to their homeland. And bring some light to this mountain so that your soul may live! And so that you may hear that most loving voice from the highest judge. Well done, good and faithful servant. And so that your soul may flash with light in this regard.1 As a soldier gleams in battle when his comrades themselves rejoice together!
Fight and Restore the Pearls
Rudolf is urged as a leader to fight a good victory, correct those who stray, and cleanse the beautiful pearls of decay for the highest King.
Because he has proved himself the victor. So you, O leader of the people— fight for a good victory! and in this way correct those who are going astray. and wash the beautiful pearls clean of their decay as you prepare them for the highest King. and so may your mind constantly strive with good zeal. Lead these pearls back to that mountain just as God established them as his gift.
Blessing and Protection
Hildegard closes with a prayer that God may protect Rudolf and free his soul from eternal punishment.
May God protect you! and may he free your soul from eternal punishment.
Read the original Latin
Hildegardis. O uiuens lux dicit. Uię scripturarum directę sunt ad excelsum montem. ubi flores et preciosissima aromata crescunt. et ubi suauissimus uentus uolat ualidum odorem in eis faciens. et ubi rosę et lilia splendidas facies ostendunt. Idem mons dudum non apparuerat propter umbras ceci uiuentis aeris! quia etiam filius altissimi mundum nondum illustrauerat.
Tunc sol uenit de aurora montem hunc illuminans! et omnes populi uiderunt aromata illius. Et dies ualde ornatus est! et dulcis rumor ortus est. O pastores nunc plangendum et lugendum est. quod in uestro tempore mons iste nigerrimis nebulis tectus est! ita ut bonus odor ex eo non redoleat. Tu autem esto pastor bonus!
et nobilis in moribus. Et sicut aquila in solem uidet. sic recordare et respice ubi possis pigros et peregrinos ad patriam reuocare. et aliquod lumen huic monti conferre quatenus anima tua uiuat! et ut amantissimam uocem illam audias de summo iudice. euge serue bone et fidelis. et ut anima tua in hac parte fulminet. sicut miles in prelio fulget cum socij eius ipsi congaudent!
quia uictor extitit. Vnde tu o precessor populi. pugna in bona uictoria! et sic errantes corrige. et pulcras margaritas de putredine ablue preparans illas summo regi. et sic mens tua assidue in bono studio anhelet. has margaritas ad montem istum reuocare! sicut eas donum dei instituit.
Deus te protegat! et animam tuam de eterna pena liberet.
Notes
- 1 ↩fulminet rendered 'flash with light' rather than 'lightning-strike' to preserve the devotional sense of interior illumination rather than destructive judgment; the Latin can carry both senses.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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