20. To the Monks of Bec

Anselm, called the archbishop, to those dearest sons of his love, the youths and young men of Bec, who sent a letter to him in England: the blessing of God be yours, and my blessing so far as it is worth, if indeed it avail for aught.

I have read in your letter your most affectionate and tender love for him whom you love and who loves you; I have read it often, and again and again the depths of my heart have been deeply and tenderly moved by the contemplation of your love, and tears flowed down my cheeks. Though the love of even one of you were sufficient to cause this, yet was it all the fuller and more overpowering because I recognised in your words the like mind and affection of others who had sent no letter. What you say, that you wish I could always be with you, I certainly myself desire. But since God disposes otherwise than we wish, nor do I perceive it to be advantageous to your souls, which I love (as your own hearts testify) like my own, that you should be able to live with me; I pray, advise, exhort, that you patiently with me endure the divine dispensation. And thus lessening by submission your own grief you will soften mine also; for your sadness is mine, and likewise your consolation. And this I say not only to you, oh dearest sons, but to all who like you are disquieted by the absence of their well-loved friend. I know that could you hope still in this life to spend some time in my company, it would be a great comfort to you. Then how much greater a consolation ought we to feel it, if we hope to be together, victorious and jubilant for ever in the life to come? Be comforted, therefore, my sons, be comforted and submit yourselves to the will of God, who better knows what is good for you than you do yourselves; since God will give you for that patience something greater than could come to you from my presence. Be assured that no distance of place, no length of time would be able, as I hope in God, to drive from my heart the sweetness of your affection. Both to those who in their letter have told me they wished for my absolution, and to those who, although they have not written to ask for it, yet desire it, I send before God absolution and benediction, and pray that Almighty God may absolve them from all their sins and bless them in the life to come. Amen.