Letter 7022: Ad Bosonem referendarium

Venantius FortunatusUnknown|c. 587 AD|Venantius Fortunatus
barbarian invasion

To Boso the Referendary

As may the Almighty shelter the radiant heights of the king, and may heavenly arms govern his causes; as may divine power preserve lord and servants, and may salvation remain for the homeland while he rules; as may the highest, holy creator from on high extend his hand to the peaceful king — as he did before to Peter — and as may the grace of the long-reigning king accompany you, and may you reach fixed joys while he flourishes:

This I ask — that whoever is commanded may come here as quickly as possible, and that the slow delay here may no longer weigh upon my heart. For what a firm will has determined, if the prayer is hastened, tends to be all the sweeter when delivered quickly.

This above all I ask with beseeching words: that through your remembrance I may be commended to my lord. May he remain happy through the ages, outstanding in his deeds — and mindful of me, sweet friend. Farewell.

AI-assisted translation — This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.

Latin / Greek Original

XXII
Ad Bosonem referendarium
Sic tegat omnipotens radiantia culmina regis
atque eius causas anna superna regant,
sic dominum ac servos divina potentia servet
et patriae maneat hoc dominante salus,
sic placido regi summus pius auctor ab alto,
qui dedit ante Petro, porrigat ipse manum,
sic te longaevi comitetur gratia regis
et florente illo gaudia fixa metas:
hoc rogo, quam citius veniat quicumque iubetur,
ne gravet ultra animos hic mora tarda meos.
nam festinato, statuit quod certa voluntas,
si votum adceleret, dulcius esse solet.
illud enim nimium per verba precantia posco,
commender domino te memorante meo.
actibus excellens maneat per saecula felix
et memor ipse mei, dulcis amice? vale.

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