Letter 2045: From Bishop Ruricius to the lord Hispanus.

Bishop Ruricius to Lord Hispanus. We give thanks that, in sending us the spoils of the Doronne [river], you prove your devotion toward us to be most sincere, by which we are delighted more than by any luxuries, since on the one hand we thereby restrain the hunger of the body, while on the other [we restrain the hunger] of the heart; on the one hand we extend to the belly transitory nourishment, but on the other we offer to the soul an enduring affection. Accordingly, repaying thanks to your love as much as to your gift, with reciprocal [tokens of devotion] we wish your devotion the fullest well-being. And since you deign to be solicitous concerning our health, in accordance with the prayers of your devotion I make known that I am well, and at the same time I beg that you instruct me, by [letters] coming back in turn, where you intend to keep holy Easter.

XXXXV. AD DOMNUM HISPANUM RURICII EPISCOPI. Ago gratias, quod, dum nobis Doranoniae spolia transmittitis, pietatem uestram erga me sincerissimam conprobatis, qua nos amplius quam deliciis delectamur, siquidem inde esuriem corporis conpescimus, hinc cordis, inde uentri transitorium porrigimus pastum, hinc uero animo mansurum praebemus affectum. proinde tam amori quam muneri uestro gratias repensantes reciprocis pietatem uestram plurimum sospitamus. et quia de nostra dignaris esse salute sollicitus, iuxta uota pietatis uestrae me ualere significo simulque deposco, ubi sanctum pascha facturi sitis, me recurrentibus instruatis.