Letter CCCXCVI. To Ricuin, Bishop of Toul

[Formerly No. 365].

Bernard excuses himself for having unknowingly received one of his professed Religious.¹

To the venerable Ricuin, by the grace of God, Bishop of Toul, Brother Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, with the little flock committed to his charge, wishes health, safety and peace.

I thank the Author of Salvation, that you have deigned to honour me with a letter. But I must confess that the pleasure which your salutation gave me was tempered by the obedience required of me to your order: nevertheless, I have done what you directed. At the same time I protest before God and your Holiness that I received the monk who had made his profession with you, quite unknowingly; and I appeal to the testimony of Brother William himself in proof of this fact. So that if there is anything to blame in his reception; it is not ours. Now that I have given full and sincere satisfaction, I count upon your favour and benediction. Farewell, holy and most reverend father: I trust that your career may be as full in years as in virtues: and that it may be crowned by a holy and peaceful death.

Footnotes

1. [Ep. 61 is addressed to the same Ricuin]. ↩