Letter 7017: Ad Gunduarium

To Gunduarius If a lover's affection could be fully expressed in words, our page would give you many more verses. But since I cannot speak by mouth what I close up in my heart, let it be enough that at least a few are given from the many. For if you look at my desires through the singer's words, I would have preferred to give you more — I who bring you small things. We see your whole mind poured out in sweetness, where serene hearts shine cloudless without deceit. Pouring from a pure spring, nectar overflows from your throat — words I gladly drink with heart and soul. Provident, resolute, watchful, measured, honorable — your mind always holds the seasoning of the soul. You govern the lofty patrimony of the distinguished queen: she who entrusted it to you has found faithfulness everywhere. No one could be dearer to the devoted queen than one who, for his own merits, was himself of such quality. Gunduarius, may you flourish, pleasing through a long age, remaining in perpetual light with your own wife.

XVII Ad Gunduarium Si prodi verbis affectus posset amantis, carmina plura tibi pagina nostra daret. sed quod ab ore loqui nequeo quod pectore claudo, sit satis ex multis vel modo pauca dari. nam si respicias votum per verba canentis, malueram maius qui tibi parva fero. aspicimus sensum totum in dulcedine fusum. quo sine nube doli corda serena micant. puro fonte rigans nectar de fauce redundat, cuius verba libens pectore corde bibo. providus exertus vigilans moderatus honestus, condimentum animae mens tua semper habet, reginae egregiae patrimonia celsa gubernas: quae tibi conmisit sensit ubique fidem. nemo piae poterat reginae carior esse, quam qui pro meritis talis et ipse foret. Gunduari, longo vigeas placiturus in aevo, coniuge cum propria luce perenne manens.