E06371: A letter of Pope Gregory the Great (Register 6.58) of 596, to Brunhild, queen of the Franks, grants her relics of the Apostles *Peter and *Paul (S00036; S00008), and enjoins her that they be treated with due respect. Written in Latin in Rome.

Pope Gregory the Great, Register of Letters 6.58 Gregory responds to a request from Brunhild for relics (the extract is from the middle of the letter): Atque ideo congruo honore uestram excellentiam salutantes indicamus latori praesentium Leparico, quem vos esse presbyterum scripsistis, per quem eloquia uestrarum suscepimus litterarum, reliquias nos beatorum apostolorum Petri ac Pauli iuxta excellentiae uestrae petitionem cum ea ueneratione qua dignum est praebuisse. Sed ut in uobis magis magisque laudabilis et religiosa possit clarere deuotio, prouidendum uobis est ut sanctorum beneficia cum reuerentia et debito honore condantur et seruientes ibidem nullis oneribus nullisque molestiis affligantur, ne forsitan necessitate exterius imminente in Dei seruitio inutiles segnes que reddantur et iniuriam, quod absit, neglectum que beneficia sanctorum collata sustineant. ‘And for that reason, we greet your Excellency with suitable honour, and we inform Leuparic, bearer of this letter, who is a priest as you tell us, through whom we have received your very eloquent letters, that we have provided you with relics of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, in accordance with the request of your Excellency, with that veneration which they deserve. But so that the devotion in you can shine forth more and more laudable and religious, you must take care that the relics of the saints are put in place with due honour, and those entrusted with their care are not afflicted by any burdens or troubles, in case perhaps, with the threat of external necessity, they may be rendered useless and idle in the service of God, and the relics of the saints brought there may sustain damage (Heaven forbid!) and neglect. Therefore, let your Excellency ensure their security, so that, when they are protected with your support, free from all disturbance, they may offer praises to our God with secure minds, and a reward may increase for you in eternal life.’ Text: Norberg 1982, vol. 1, 431. Translation: Martyn 2004, vol. 2, 443.