Letter 5: Though we are settled in sees somewhat more widely separated than our shared affection would wish, nevertheless the...

Sidonius ApollinarisJulianus, Scribo|c. 459 AD|Sidonius Apollinaris
friendship

Sidonius to his lord Bishop Julianus, greetings.

1. Though we are settled in sees somewhat more widely separated than our shared affection would wish, nevertheless the obstacle of the intervening journey would not have hindered our diligence in discharging our duty, were it not that, divided as we are between different kingdoms, we are held back from more frequent exchange of correspondence by the terms of our separate allegiances. Now at least, since a pact of peace has been concluded, because these terms will be joined in a bond of good faith, our letters may begin to pass freely back and forth, since they cease to be objects of suspicion.

2. Therefore, my lord bishop, join your prayers with those of your sacred brothers to supplicate Christ together, that He who has deigned to prosper our affairs may temper the quarrels of our masters, restrain their arms, and bestow upon them innocence, upon us tranquility, and upon all, security. Deign to remember me, my lord bishop.

AI-assisted translation — This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.

Latin / Greek Original

EPISTULA V

Sidonius domino papae Iuliano salutem.

1. Etsi plusculum forte discreta, quam communis animus optabat, sede consistimus, non tamen medii itineris obiectu quantum ad solvendum spectat officium nostra sedulitas impediretur, nisi quod per regna divisi a commercio frequentiore sermonis diversarum sortium iure revocamur; quae nunc saltim post pacis initam pactionem quia fidelibus animis foederabuntur, apices nostri incipient commeare crebri, quoniam cessant esse suspecti.

2. proinde, domine papa, cum sacrosanctis fratribus vestris pariter Christo supplicaturas iungite preces, ut dignatus prosperare quae gerimus nostrique dominii temperans lites arma compescens illos muneretur innocentia, nos quiete, totos securitate. memor nostri esse dignare, domine papa.

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