Letter 3030: Ad Sindulfum diaconum

To Sindulf the Deacon Brother in the love of God, memorable for worthy deeds, fixed in my heart — brother in the love of God: Press on gladly in the journey that leads to the court of heaven; that you may rise higher, press on gladly in the journey. Bear the load patiently, and let the holy burden not tire you; where rest awaits, bear the load patiently. It is fitting to bow the neck, for the yoke of Christ is sweet [Matthew 11:30]; that we may earn his help, it is fitting to bow the neck. Whoever tills his land tends to keep his barns full; whoever tills his land will not go hungry. A sailor flies across the sea where great wealth grows; the sailor flies across the sea that his merchandise may please — he does not fear death in the raging storm's fury; that he may gain riches, he does not fear death. The soldier comes to arms seeking the palm through wounds; that he may return as victor, the soldier comes to arms. Take up battles gladly for me too, dear companion — where triumph will come, take up battles gladly. Whoever comes in love does not know how to feel his labor; no one lies under the load who comes in love. Carrying these small verses, I render you the greetings I owe; please give better ones yourself, carrying small verses.

XXX Ad Sindulfum diaconum Frater amore dei, digno memorabilis actu, pectore fixe meo frater amore dei: carpe libenter iter quod ducit ad aetheris aulam: altius ut surgas, carpe libenter iter. fer patienter onus neque te pia sarcina lasset: unde manet requies, fer patienter onus. subdere colla decet, quia sunt iuga dulcia Christi: quo mereamur opem, subdere colla decet. qui sua rura colit solet horrea plena tenere, nec ieiunus erit qui sua rura colit. per mare nauta volat quo multa pecunia crescat: mercibus ut placeat per mare nauta volat; non timet ille necem rabie turbante procellae: ut lucretur opes non timet ille necem. miles ad arma venit quaerens per vulnera palmam: ut redeat victor, miles ad arma venit. proelia sume libens mihi tu quoque, care sodalis: unde triumphus erit, proelia sume libens. quisquis amore venit nescit se ferre laborem: nemo labore iacet quisquis amore venit. carmina parva ferens tibi debita reddo salutis: des meliora, precor, carmina parva ferens.