Letter 1

From: Desiderius of Cahors, bishop To: King Dagobert I, King of the Franks Date: ~632 AD Context: Desiderius [bishop of Cahors c. 630-655, former royal treasurer under Dagobert], writes to his former master seeking royal support for his episcopal work. Desiderius had served in the Frankish royal court before being appointed bishop. To the most glorious and Christ-loving King Dagobert, from his faithful servant Desiderius, bishop of Cahors, The years I spent at your court, in the service of the royal treasury and in the confidence of your counselors, were years in which I learned much about governance and about the obligations that those who hold power owe to those who depend on them. I carry that education with me into the episcopate, where the obligations are of a different kind but the basic principle — that authority exists to serve — remains the same. I write now on behalf of the church and diocese of Cahors, which has been in my care since you appointed me to it. The cathedral church of Saint Stephen is in need of restoration; the building is old and portions of it are in a state that risks collapse if the winter is severe. The resources of the diocese are not sufficient to address this without royal assistance. I ask, most glorious king, for a grant from the royal treasury to support this work. The cathedral of Cahors is not only the church of a bishop; it is the spiritual center of this city and this region, and its condition reflects on the kingdom's care for the faith. I remain, as I have always been, your faithful servant and subject. Desiderius, bishop