Letter 9008: To the Lord Bishop Principius [Bishop of Soissons].

To the Lord Bishop Principius [Bishop of Soissons]. Though I was not expecting it, I was certainly hoping for it — your letter, delivered by a trusty old carrier who has proved himself worthy of being entrusted with further duties, since he handled the first so well. Blessed by your second greeting — or rather, your second benediction — I too return a second greeting, matching your courtesies in number if not in merit. And since, my lord bishop, we now live with hearts joined but regions divided, unable to enjoy each other's sight because our homes are so far apart, I ask you to pray that when we have at last discharged the burdens and anguish of this present life through a desirable and holy death, and when the day of judgment dawns with the resurrection, we may be united with your company — even if only in the humble role of Gibeonite servants [Joshua 9 — the Gibeonites were permitted to serve in the temple, though as hewers of wood and drawers of water]. For according to the heavenly promises — which pledged that the children of God would be gathered from among the nations — if mercy consoles us sinners while glory awaits you saints, then even though the difference in our merits may separate us, the distance between our homes will not. Be mindful of us, my lord bishop.

EPISTULA VIII Sidonius domino papae Principio salutem. 1. Quamquam nobis non opinantibus, desiderantibus tamen litteras tuas reddidit gerulus antiquus, idoneus inventus, cui iure repetita credantur officia, quandoquidem prima sic detulit. igitur affatu secundo vel potius benedictione donatus ipse quoque rependo alterum salve, obsequia combinans numeris aequata, non meritis. 2. et quia, domine papa, modo vivimus <animis> iunctis abiunctisque regionibus conspectibusque mutuis frui dissociatae situ habitationis inhibemur, orate, ut optabili religiosoque decessu vitae praesentis angoribus atque onere perfuncti, cum iudicii dies sanctus offulserit cum resurrectione, agminibus vestris famulaturi vel sub Gabaoniticae servitutis occasione iungamur; quia secundum promissa caelestia, quae spoponderunt filios dei de nationibus congregandos, si nos reos venia soletur, dum vos beatos gloria manet, etsi per actionum differentiam, non tamen per locorum distantiam dividemur. memor nostri esse dignare, domine papa.