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History of the Franks
St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927
Book 3, 34. Of the Generosity of Theudebert to the Citizens of Verdun
Desideratus, bishop of Verdun, to whom King Theuderic had done many injuries, was by the Lord’s will restored to liberty after many calamities, losses, and sorrows, and once more took possession of his bishopric. But he found the people of his city exceeding poor and destitute, and his heart grieved for them. And as, through the act of Theuderic, he was deprived of his own property, and had no means of succouring them, he sent messengers to Theudebert, perceiving the goodness and clemency of that king. They carried this message: ‘The fame of thy goodness is noised abroad over the whole earth, that thou art one to lend aid even to those who ask thee nothing. I pray therefore, if thy piety can spare us money, lend it to us, that we may restore our citizens to prosperity. And as soon as, by exercise of their industry, they have won such a return as other cities can show, we will render thy loan with the lawful interest.’ The king, moved to compassion, lent him seven thousand pieces of gold, which he took and distributed among the citizens. And they, devoting themselves to their affairs, were by this means enriched, and to this day are held in great consideration. But when the bishop offered to return the money, the king answered: ‘I have no need of it. Enough for me that under thy dispensation the poor and oppressed by want have been relieved, thou asking, and I giving.’ He refused to receive anything, and thus enriched the citizens of Verdun.