Letter 35: Hermann, Bishop of Constance, to Hildegard
The Letters ofHildegard ofBingen their hearts' delight. It is not inappropriate at all for us to call those happy who, in the mirror of divine radiance, endeavor daily to learn from the Lord the prize reserved for their merits [cf. I Cor 9.24]. Happy, I say, exceedingly happy, those who have accounted all earthly things vile in contrast to the reward of heavenly things, and who despise, crush under their heel, and denounce all things which seem pleasant, delectable, and enduring to all other mortals in this life. Behold, true daughters of Jerusalem, in whom no blemish has been found [cf. Cant 4.7], in whom the world finds nothing to love, and who also without doubt "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth" [Apoc
14.4].
Now, O daughter, with our hearts turned to you, we humbly ask for any consolation revealed to you from heaven. And because we are foundering in the storms of secular anxieties, we also commend ourselves to your prayers and the prayers of all your sisters so that you may piously intercede for ITS to Him whose chamber you long to enter after you have passed the boundary of this life. And may the Lord bring it about, O beloved, that "thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of thy life" [Ps 127.5].
Hermann, Bishop of Constance, to Hildegard 1148-66 Hermann, bishop of Constance from 1138 until his death in 1165 or 1166, seeks
I lildegard's prayers. Hermann was totally loyal to the emperor and supported his choice of Paschal III as pope.
Hermann, by grace of God bishop of the church of Constance, albeit ineffectual and unworthy, sends greetings to Hildegard, bride of Christ, at the monastery of St. Rupert in Bingen, with wishes that you may increase in divine love and that the outcome of both your corporeal and spiritual life may be most blessed.
The fame of your wisdom has spread far and wide and has been reported to me by a number of truthful people, reports that have made me desire to seek out your solace and support even from these far distant regions and to commend myself to your prayers. For it is very difficult to become the judge of other people's lives when one does not know how to observe moderation in his own.
Therefore, with sincere devotion, beloved lady, I beseech you to come to my aid with your prayers before the Lord, and to fortify me with your response.