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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 3, 24. How Childebert Rewarded Theudebert

Childebert, perceiving that he could not prevail against Theudebert, sent an embassy to him, and bade him come to him, saying: ‘I have no sons, and I would fain regard thee as my son.’ And when Theudebert came, he enriched him with so many gifts, that it was a marvel to all. For he gave him three pairs of all things meet for a king’s possession, as well arms as raiment; in like manner he presented him with horses and dogs.

Now when Sigivald¹ heard that Theudebert had inherited his father’s kingdom, he returned from Italy to seek him. Theudebert received him with joy, and embraced him, presenting him with a third part of his uncle’s gifts, and ordering that all Sigivald’s property which his father had confiscated should now be restored.

Notes

i. e. the son of the elder Sigivald.