Epistola Ad Brunichildem Reginam

A letter of Saint Germanus, Bishop of Paris, to Queen Brunhild. To the most merciful and most excellent lady, and to us always the most pious lady and daughter of the holy Church in Christ, Queen Brunhild, Germanus, a sinner. Because charity rejoices in truth, and endures all things, and never exceeds its bounds, therefore from a troubled heart and from the depth of our soul’s affection we dare to suggest to you. Because at that time when the number of the Christian people was smaller, and with God’s help it was permitted to dwell in peace, the apostles said: “Behold now an acceptable time, behold now a day of salvation.” Now, on the contrary, having such mournful and sorrowful days before our eyes, we say weeping: “Behold, the days of our tribulation and ruin are coming.” Woe to us because we have sinned. If these bitternesses and tribulations had terrified us and brought weakness to our body, we ought to have hastened to your piety in person. Because, if it is permissible to say so, we uniquely carry affection for you in our breast, and, thirsting singularly for your presence with spiritual desire, like worshippers and special children of God, we most earnestly pray that you live and prosper piously in all things. But whoever loves a person in his soul, if he is less able to behold him with his physical eyes, what pertains to the prosperity and salvation of both soul and body ought by no means to be concealed through the office of a letter.

Repeating the words of the common people, which terrify us greatly, we bring to the notice of your Piety, words which are being spread abroad, that the mouths of eloquent men are being slandered, as if by your wish, counsel, and instigation the most glorious Lord King Sigibert so harshly wishes to destroy this region. We do not say this as if it were believed by us, but we beseech that no occasion be given for saying anything whence such a great and dangerous blasphemy might be generated against you. Although this region has already lost its happiness, and we conclude the end of our ruin, yet we did not despair of divine mercy, which still withholds the hand of vengeance while the remedy of correction is awaited, if the intention that works death did not hold sway; cupidity, which is the root of all evils; wrath, which takes away the sense of prudence. Our Saviour, foreseeing the time of His passion approaching, said: "Woe to the man through whom scandal comes." What He detested with His own mouth, we believe cannot remain unpunished; we cry out to all, let all consider the thoughts and actions of their own conscience, and beware lest with the traitor Judas they share in the judgment of this condemnation. It is enough for God to know; I would have wished either to die for them so that they might live, or to end my life by some chance before their destruction, so that I might see neither their ruin nor that of the region.

But each one uses the other as an excuse, and none of them places the judgment of God before their eyes; nor do they reserve anything for God’s power to judge, nor do they believe themselves already under God’s notice. Because we are deemed unworthy to be heard by anyone, we therefore beseech you: for if they lose the kingdom, neither you nor your sons will possess a great triumph. Let this region rejoice that it has received you, so that through you it may be seen to receive salvation, not destruction. In this you silence the words of the people, if you mitigate the fury, if you cause the judgment of God to be awaited. In truth I suggest, if you do not despise my humble supplication, we still rejoice in the fullness of your devoted ones. For this reason I write sorrowfully, because I see how both kings and peoples are hurled headlong, so that they incur the offense of God. Thus we read: Whoever has trusted in the strength of his own arm has earned confusion before victory. Whoever has relied on the support of a people to be able to help himself has earned the danger of death before salvation. Whoever is lifted up in pride because of an abundance of gold and silver will endure the reproach of desolation before he has consulted his own greed. The eternal Judge Himself now judges, He possesses perpetual judicial power: He is not corrupted by bribes, nor does He look upon the prayers of the impious, but He considers the thoughts of hearts, and will render to each according to his works.

It is a dishonorable victory to conquer a brother, to humble one's own household, and to destroy property built by one's parents. They fight against themselves and destroy their own happiness; the enemy rejoices and hastens at their ruin. With what faith and sincerity, with what devotion we write these things, it is enough for God to know, so that you may prepare good things for the future, and we may feel, even a little, that we are absolved with God. But because it is commanded to priests: "Lift up your voice like a trumpet and announce to my people their deeds"; therefore, most pious lady, understand the mystery and beware of the example. In the beginning, with two brothers... the world existed: one of them, Cain, committed fratricide and received a sevenfold sentence of punishment. Joseph's brothers sold him out of envy, and later they were subjected to his servitude. Saul strove to kill the holy David out of envy, and later he showed mercy to him. Absalom killed his brother, sought to remove his father from the kingdom, and what destruction he suffered is unknown to no one. Especially also the prophet David says: "For those who act wickedly will be destroyed; but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the earth." The Apostle cries out: "He who hates his brother is a murderer, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going." The Savior declares: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. I give you my peace, I leave you my peace. Where there is peace and charity, there is the mercy of God.

We read that through Queen Esther salvation was granted to the people. In this matter, show your prudence and the wholesomeness and perfection of your faith, so that you may recall the lord king from offending God, and allow the people to live in peace on their part, until the eternal Judge pronounces his customary justice. For it is perfectly clear to all that whoever sets aside fraternal charity, scorns fellowship, and does not yield to the truth. All the prophets speak against him, all the apostles detest him, and Almighty God Himself will judge what He has established. With the greeting sent beforehand, we humbly request that you hold the bearer of this letter, your servant Gundulphus, commended, and that you receive what we entrust through him by word, believing without hesitation, and that you not disdain to fulfill it, and that you work to prepare for us joys concerning your salvation. We ask that we may merit to be rejoiced in all things through a rescript of your Piety.