A Provost to Hildegard
The Letters
Knecbsteden
A Provost to Hildegard Before 1173 The provost expresses his great desire to speak with Hildegard face-to-face so that he could discuss with her all those matters that he could not possibly put into a letter. That being impossible, he beseeches Hildegard to pray to God for mercy for his great offenses.
H., by the grace of God provost (however insufficient) at Knechsteden, to Hildegard, venerable handmaiden of Christ May you be strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and may you enjoy blessing at the end of your life.
How I long with all my might to be present with you and enjoy conversation with you. Then, I would tell you at length all the things that concern me, things that God alone knows, things that I could not tell you in a brief letter.
We have, beloved lady, heard of the grace that the Father of lights has bestowed upon you, from Whom "every best gift, and every perfect gift" (James
1.17] comes. Having great confidence in that grace, therefore, I felt it necessary to write this letter to the sweetness of your love, beseeching you not to cease imploring divine compassion for my wretched state in your devout prayers. For I know that I have offended that compassion in many things [cf. James 3.2], and I know that I cannot escape retribution for my indiscretion.
Therefore, because I have great hope in the grace that I know is yours; I felt the need to implore the aid of your prayers, for I know God hears them, and I hope thereby to receive some measure of consolation from you. I pray for Christ's sake that you not fail to write me, sending me instructions how I might placate the divine majesty I have offended.
Farewell in Christ always.
153r Hildegard to the Provost Before 1173 Hildegard answers the provost's petition, which she says she has examined in a mystic vision.
In a mystic vision I examined your petition, and I heard a voice say this to you:
I compare you to a tree that puts forth thick foliage in the summertime, but whose