Letter 62

From: Ruricius, bishop of Limoges To: Namatius (his brother?) Date: ~508 AD Context: A brief, urgent note begging Namatius to visit — one of the most personal and direct letters in the collection. Bishop Ruricius to his brother Namatius. I send you my warmest greetings and hope that, if you cannot come tomorrow, you will at least be kind enough to visit us on Tuesday. For we are burning with longing for your love and say with the prophet: "My soul is like a waterless land before you. My spirit fails. Do not hide your face" [Psalm 143:6-7]. Do not delay your coming, lest you extinguish the fire in our hearts that your brief visit kindled.

LXII. RURICIUS EPISCOPUS FRATRI NAMATIO. Saluto plurimum et spero, ut, si secundo crastino non potueris, uel tertia feria ad nos uenire digneris, quia desiderio tuae caritatis accensi et nos dicimus cum propheta: anima mea sicut terra sine aqua tibi. defecit spiritus meus. ne auertas faciem tuam. ne moreris aduentum, ut pectoris nostri, quem parui temporis solatio suscitastis, extinguatis incendium.