An Abbess to Hildegard
The Letters
Mainz (Altmunster)
An Abbess to Hildegard 1167–70(?) A brief letter asking Hildegard to intercede with the Lord for her sinful soul and to write a letter of admonition back to her.
To her lady, Hildegard, virgin dedicated to God, N., abbess (in name only) of the sisters of Altmunster in Mainz, with a prayer that she enjoy the blessing of life in heaven after so long an illness.
If you have recovered to any degree from your illness, my lady, I rejoice. If not, I grieve with my whole heart Lo, I write to you, making presumption on our friendship, and I ask you to heed my devotion for you, and to work diligently to placate the Lord for my sins. I pray you also through the bond of love to admonish me through the bearer of this letter, and gladden me with a written response, according to the revelation granted you by the Holy Spirit.
Mainz (St. Martin)
A Dean to Hildegard Before 1173 The dean asks for Hildegard's prayers and consolation. He also expresses his desire to come to see her, if opportunity arises, so that he can ask her what he cannot ask in writing.
To Hildegard, reverend lady and beloved mother, N., unworthy dean of St.
Martin in Mainz church, with a prayer, modest as it is.
It is not necessary for me to write how greatly I venerate you, saintly lady, how sincerely I love you, and how prepared I am to serve you if you will but deign to employ our service, such as it is. How I long to be frequently consoled by your writings, because the splendor of divine wisdom, which illuminates you within, reveals these things to you. I had determined once to see you myself and be consoled by your words, but I have been hampered by a bodily affliction, and cannot come at the present time. When an opportunity arises, however, God willing, I will see you, and will ask in person what I cannot ask you in writing.