Letter 6050: Gregory to Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. The tenor of your letters, which evinces a religious spirit and the earnestness of a pious mind, causes us not only to commend the purpose of your request, but also to grant willingly what you demand. For indeed it would ill become us to refuse what Christian devotion and the desire of an upright heart...
Gregory to Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
The tenor of your letters, which reflects a devout spirit and the earnestness of a pious mind, moves us not only to commend the intention behind your request but also to grant willingly what you ask. For it would ill become us to refuse what Christian devotion and an upright heart solicits — especially when we know that what you ask and embrace with your whole heart is something that both protects the faith of believers and works no less the salvation of souls.
Accordingly, we send your Excellency our due and proper greetings, and inform you that to Leuparic, the bearer of these presents — through whom we received your communication, and whom you described as a priest — we have delivered with all due reverence, in accordance with your Excellency's request, certain relics of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. But so that this praiseworthy and devout dedication may become ever more evident among your people, you must ensure that these sacred gifts are deposited with reverence and proper honor, and that those who serve in attendance on them are burdened with no troubles or hardships. For if under the pressure of outward need they are rendered unprofitable and slack in the service of God, the sacred gifts that have been bestowed may — God forbid — be left neglected and ill-used. Let your Excellency therefore see to their security and comfort, so that, protected by your generosity from all distress, they may render praise to our God with undisturbed hearts; and so that an eternal reward may come to you as well.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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