Letter CCCLXXXIX. To Peter, Abbot of Cluny

[Formerly No. 354: the former No. 389 is now No. 413] (A. D. 1150).

Bernard expresses the pleasure which the letter of Peter had given him, and regrets that the burden of his occupations prevents his writing at greater length.

To his very dear father and lord, Peter Abbot of the Cluniacs, Brother Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, health and the assurance of his prayers.

I have had but a little moment to read your letter, but I have been affected by it in no small degree. Though I had been occupied as much as you know, or may suppose, dearest father, yet I was able to withdraw for a moment, and escape from a crowd of people who had business with me, and to whom I was to give interviews. Shutting myself up with that Nicholas whom your soul loves, I read and re-read your letter, in which I found so much sweetness. Your affection was so manifest in it, that it aroused my affection in return. I regretted that I was so tormented with business, as not to be able to reply. There could not have been a worse day for that: for a great multitude had come together, from almost every nation under heaven. It was necessary that I should give an answer to all. It was no doubt, for my sins that I was born into the world for these cares without number, by which my life is weighed down and consumed. In the meantime I write to you, my dear friend, these few words of reply: and when I shall get the time, I will write you more carefully, to open to you more clearly the heart of one who loves you. With respect to the will of Baroni which you have sent to me, I may most truly say that I receive as a gift on your part, and not as a legal right, the legacy made by it. I am glad to know the exact facts regarding the election at Grenoble, and I assure you that I am very sensible of that which our common son repor to me upon that subject on your behalf. I am quite prepared to do willingly what you wish in that matter. In your General Chapter at Citeaux, special mention was made of you, as of an eminent father and prelate, and also a oea friend: and prayer made for all the Religious of your Order, whether living or dead.¹

The Bishop Elect of Beauvais 3 as being yours, salutes you: for he is yours.,,.

I Nicholas, your son (who have written this letter) salute you for ever and beyond; and also all that saintly community who are united to you both in body and in spin.

Footnotes

1. These prayers were customary between congregations Religious which were united by the band of mutual intercession. Henry. See Ep. 307, and notes. ↩