An Abbess to Hildegard
The Letters
toil. Learn thereby to keep your mind pure, and when your mind becomes unstable and totters by seizing upon many things that you cannot hope to bring to completion, stand firm and learn moderation, for the dove is moderate and stable.
Thus when vehement anger wearies you, look into the clear fountain of patience, and your anger will soon come to an end, and the storm and billowing waters will abate, because the dove is patient. But when you are so weary that dayto-day existence beats you down, remember that this life is a time of exile, and that you sigh in expectation of another life.* Act, therefore, in accordance with the sorrow of the dove. Gather together all the useful examples of other good people, and live after the example of the dove so that you may have eternal life.
Regensburg (Obermunster)
An Abbess to Hildegard Before 1173 The abbess asks for Hildegard's assistance on a matter (for which she supplies no specifics) that is a source of worry to her. Moreover, she wants to know whether it is possible for her to be relieved of the burden of her office.
To the venerable and estimable mother in Christ, Hildegard, E., by God's grace, if so it was, abbess (although unworthy) in Obermunster at Regensburg, offers whatever prayers she can in conjunction with sincere faith and esteem.
Beloved lady, my spirit greatly longs to see your face, and my ears have long desired to hear the words of your mouth. Because of my great desire, I have on occasion greeted you in a letter, saintly lady, but I have never received a response.
Humbly cast down at your feet, therefore, I beseech you to deign to respond to two questions of mine through the present messenger. Is there a real danger in the matter that is now greatly afflicting my heart, or should I simply rely on the mercy of God? I long to know your advice concerning the office entrusted to me: how and when can I be relieved of this burden?
Humbly, repeatedly, imploring your love, I entreat you, if you possess the bowels of mercy [cf. Luke 1.78], please take the trouble to send a letter to relieve the great anxiety threatening my heart.