Letters315 Letter CCCXV. 1 to matilda, queen of England.
Letter CCCXV. 1 to matilda, queen of England.
Bernard begs her to receive favourably a request already presented to her on behalf of the monks of La Chapelte* To the illustrious lady and beloved daughter in Christ (which I say in affection, not of presumption), MATILDA, by the grace of God Queen of England, BERNARD wishes health.
It is not, I trust, a matter of surprise to you if I presume somewhat in addressing your Highness. I am not alone in thinking, what indeed all are aware of, that you have some kindness towards me, and that I have in some degree your favour. Because of which I have a request to make on behalf of a certain friend of mine, the venerable Abbot of La Chapelle, who has asked me to remind you of a certain tithe which I have already asked from you at Boulogne, if you are kind enough to remember, and which request you then, with your accustomed kindness, favourably entertained. But because what I then asked has not yet been carried out, I write to pray you that it may at length be effectually done. Let me beg that you will take good care for me of the son whom you have borne: because I also, if it will not displease the King, claim some portion in him. Adieu.
Illustrissimae dominae, et dilectissimae in Christo filiae (quod non ex praesumptione loquor, sed ex affectu) MALTHILDI, Dei gratia Anglorum reginae, BERNARDUS.
Si de vestra sublimitate praesumo, non est mirum. Jam enim non ego solus sentio, sed omnes pene noverunt quomodo nos acceptetis, et quanto nos diligatis affectu. Propter quod rogatus sum a quodam amico vestro, venerabili abbate de Capella, ut pro decima quadam vos rogemus, unde, si bene meministis, Boloniae vos rogavi, vos quoque more vestro benigne audistis me. Sed quia nondum factum est quod rogamus, tempus est ut jam petitio illa mancipetur effectui. De caetero bene servate mihi filium quem nunc peperistis: quia et ego quoque, si regi non displicet, in eo mihi vindico portionem. Vale.