Hildegard to Manegold
The Letters of Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard to Manegold Early 1156 It is difficult to determine the subject matter or the intent of this brief, enigmatic letter. The "vessel" (ollam) of the first sentence—as in the following letter—is apparently Hirsau itself.
The vessel I see now is much stronger than the one I saw earlier, and it will never fall or break. Your knowledge, which is the eye of your spirit, looks to God as a child looks to the father he loves. For you stand in the resplendent road, and you look to the east A black cloud, however, is causing you to grow weary. Nevertheless, it will not destroy you.
A peaceful gift should have been given to you in the light, but those who are black in their ill will prevented it from being offered, and they gnash their teeth like a bear. I see that the spirit of your abbot1 is somewhat less than courageous, but is still restless in the belly, breast, and brain.a After his death, I see that there will be a violent storm in that monastery—but, after that, a resplendent light.
Note 1. This sentence makes it clear that Manegold is not yet abbot Therefore, if the preceding letter (where the correspondent is clearly identified as abbot) was indeed written by Manegold, it surely should be placed after this one.
Hildegard to the Ab t Manegold 1156-65 Hildegard seeks to comfort Manegold for the heavy burden of office that has fallen his lot Then she advises him to keep a tight rein on his subordinates.
Sweetest father and brother in Christ's love, I saw a vessel bathed in such great brightness that I could scarcely tell whether it was a vessel at all. But I also see something somewhat bitter in taste, broken by great strife. Then, it is overtaken by a whirlwind. Still, it is predestined for God's reward.