Letters215 Letter CCXV. To THE SAME. He intercedes on behalf of the Bishop of Auxerre. (Circa A.D. 1140)

I write to you very often, I, a worthless little worm; and I am impelled to this boldness by the entreaties of my friends. I confess I am bold, but not false. Let not my lord suspect that falsehood will be found in the words of his child in any letter he sends him. I wish to comply with the wishes of my friends, but not to my death. For I do not forget what I have read: A mouth that bclieth slayeth the soul (Wisd. i. n). I deny, then, falsehood, I confess importunity; this will iind pardon, the rest I fear not. The Bishop of Auxerre is a special friend of mine. Who does not know him? He is able to communicate anxiety to his friend, but not falsehood. We bring before you a trustworthy defence of his dean, and we ask for absolution for him. I speak with my wonted presumption when I say that we are sons of the same father, viz., of yourself. I hope that my father will not reject his sons, but will do the will of them that fear him, and will hear their cry, and will make them joyful (Ps. cxlv. 19).