Letter 9005: Though we find ourselves separated by a somewhat greater distance than our shared affection would wish, the obstacle...

Sidonius ApollinarisBishop Julianus|c. 467 AD|Sidonius Apollinaris
diplomatic

Sidonius to his lord, Bishop Julianus.

Though we find ourselves separated by a somewhat greater distance than our shared affection would wish, the obstacle of the intervening journey would not have prevented my diligence from discharging its duty — were it not that, divided as we are between different kingdoms, we are held back from more frequent correspondence by the rights of our separate allegiances. But now at least, after a treaty of peace has been concluded, since the hearts of the faithful will be joined together, my letters will begin to travel more often — because they have ceased to be objects of suspicion.

And so, my lord bishop, join your prayers with those of your holy brothers in petitioning Christ together — that he who has deigned to prosper our affairs and to temper the quarrels of our realm, restraining arms, may grant them innocence, us quiet, and all of us security. Please remember me in your prayers, my lord bishop.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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