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English Correspondence
St Boniface, tr. Kylie, 1911
Letter 39: Boniface Commends His Messenger Ceola to Æthelbald, King of the Mercians. He…
To his revered and beloved lord, Æthelbald, King of the Mercians, Boniface, servant of the servants of God, greetings of deepest affection.
We pray thy highness’ mercy, deign to comfort and aid this my messenger, by name Ceola, the bearer of this letter, on this journey and on any occasion, when he is in need. And may God reward thee because thou didst give every assistance to my messengers who came to thee last year, as they brought back word. Meanwhile we have sent to thee as a sign of true love and devoted friendship a hawk and two falcons, two shields and two lances. These small gifts, unworthy though they are, we ask thee to accept with our love and blessing. “Let us all hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.”1
We beg also that if any written words of ours come to thy presence by another messenger thou shouldst deign to lend thine ear and hearken to them carefully. Farewell in Christ.
Notes
- Ecclesiastes xii, 13.