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

Sidonius to his lord the bishop Julianus, greeting. 1. Although we are settled in a residence rather more separated, perhaps, than our shared affection could wish, nevertheless our diligence would not be hindered, so far as the discharge of our duty is concerned, by the obstacle of the road that lies between us, were it not that, divided as we are among kingdoms, we are by the law of our differing fortunes recalled from a more frequent exchange of correspondence; and since these fortunes will now at least, after the conclusion of a treaty of peace, be bound together in faithful spirit, our letters will begin to pass to and fro frequently, since they cease to be objects of suspicion. 2. Therefore, lord bishop, together with your most holy brethren join your prayers, which shall make supplication likewise to Christ, that He may deign to prosper what we are doing, and, tempering the disputes of our realm and restraining its arms, may bestow upon those men innocence, upon us repose, and upon all of us security. Deign to be mindful of us, lord bishop.

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.