Letter 27
|venantius fortunatus
XXVII. Ad archidiaconum de Meldis
To the Archdeacon of Meaux
If I had been allowed to see your face even for a moment, I would have given many words for such a great gift. Your dear goodwill sent us new wine [mustum — new wine, an autumn gift], and sweet gifts reveal a sweet spirit. Without having met me, you were ready to refresh a man you had not seen — what would you do for one who is known to you and is present?
May God give you abundantly — you who hold in faithful mind, great minister, the pastoral care of the bishop's flock.
XXVII
Ad archidiaconum de Meldis
Si mihi vel vestros licuisset cernere vultus,
munere pro tanto plurima verba darem.
direxit nobis mustum tua cara voluntas,
et dulces animos dulcia dona probant.
quem non vidisti promptus satiare parasti:
quid facias illi qui tibi notus adest?
det tibi larga deus, qui curam mente fideli
de grege pontificis, magne minister, habes.
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XXVII. Ad archidiaconum de Meldis
To the Archdeacon of Meaux
If I had been allowed to see your face even for a moment, I would have given many words for such a great gift. Your dear goodwill sent us new wine [mustum — new wine, an autumn gift], and sweet gifts reveal a sweet spirit. Without having met me, you were ready to refresh a man you had not seen — what would you do for one who is known to you and is present?
May God give you abundantly — you who hold in faithful mind, great minister, the pastoral care of the bishop's flock.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.