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To the illustrious Lord Haimeric, Cardinal Deacon of
the Roman Church, and Chancellor: Bernard, called
Abbot of Clairvaux, wisheth long life in the Lord
and death in the Lord.
Hitherto you have been wont to seek prayers from me,
not the solving of problems; although I count myself
sufficient for neither. My profession shows that, if
not my conversation; and to speak truth, I lack the
diligence and the ability that are most essential.
Yet I am glad that you turn again for spiritual
counsel, instead of busying yourself about carnal
matters: I only wish you had gone to some one better
equipped than I am. Still, learned and simple give
the same excuse and one can hardly tell whether it
comes from modesty or from ignorance, unless
obedience to the task assigned shall reveal. So,
take from my poverty what I can give you, lest I
should seem to play the philosopher, by reason of my
silence. Only, I do not promise to answer other
questions you may raise. This one, as to loving God,
I will deal with as He shall teach me; for it is
sweetest, it can be handled most safely, and it will
be most profitable. Keep the others for wiser men. |