Letter 8004: Among the apostolic ranks and the holy prophets,

To Virgins Among the apostolic ranks and the holy prophets, nearest to the martyrs the virgin holds her reward. Resplendent, surrounded by starry light, she goes forward and the chaste girl is joined to the angelic choirs. With the fruit of chastity, to be dowered by heaven's talent, she is led into the chambers of the eternal King. A beautiful crown encircles her head with a triple diadem, and gems adorn her breast, her neck, her hair. Over her tender limbs an added purple is draped, and a gleaming mantle covers her in snow-white brightness. Roses and lilies feed her eyes with everlasting flowers, and a paradise-fragrance enters through her nostrils. All the more, then, dear one, we urge you to seek these things — the rewards that Christ gave to Eugenia and holy Thecla. Virgin of God, fruit of heaven, victory over the world — that you may reign forever, seek the riches of the King. There are palaces built of chrysolite and gems, and the door greens on its emerald post. The thresholds bloom with the varied light of sardonyx, and a band of hyacinth circles the house. The golden roof gleams; a golden people shines in the hall, and the radiant throng glitters with the holy King. That is the place of maidens who, for love of light, here keep faith with the Lord in body and in mind. Despise what is of the earth, and you will sit in the bright stars — a pleasing bride of Christ, dwelling in the kingdom above. The present life passes in all too fleeting time: the integrity of the virgin remains, glorified forever. Small poverty asks you, with the wealthy Christ, to come, sweet nursling, to our embrace, that you may pray with a father's help to obtain the Lord's favor, and prepare blessed kingdoms for yourself in heaven — that, joined equally to holy Mary, you may merit celebrating joys forever in the eternal choir. Whoever receives these pledges with pious hands — not to be married to a man, but to be the beloved of God.

IV Ad Virgines Inter apostolicas acies sacrosque prophetas proxima martyribus praemia virgo tenet. splendida sidereo circumdata lumine pergens iungitur angelicis casta puella choris. fruge pudicitiae caeli dotanda talento aeterni regis ducitur in thalamis. pulchra corona caput triplici diademate cingit et gemmae exornant pectora colla comam. induitur teneris superaddita purpura membris et candore nivis fulgida palla tegit. floribus aeternis oculos rosa lilia pascunt, et paradisiacus naribus intrat odor. unde magis, dulcis, hortamur ut ista requiras quae dedit Eugeniae Christus et alma Theclae. virgo dei, fructus caeli, victoria mundi ut semper regnes, has pete regis opes. sunt ibi chrysolithis fabricata palatia gemmis atque zmaragdineo ianua poste viret. limina sardonychum variato lumine florent et hyacintheus circuit ordo domum. aurea tecta micant, plebs aurea fulget in aula et cum rege pio turba corusca nitet. ille puellarum locus est, quae lucis amore hic servant domino corpore mente fidem. despice quod terrae est, et clara sedebis in astris, Christi ut sponsa placens regna superna colas. praesens vita nimis fugitivo tempore transit: virginis integritas glorificanda manet. paupertas te parva rogat cum divite Christo, ut venias nostro dulcis alumna sinu, quo patris auxilium domino obtentura preceris atque tibi caelis regna beata pares, ut pariter sanctae merearis iuncta Mariae gaudia perpetuo concelebrare choro. has quaecumque piis manibus susceperis arras non nuptura homini, sed sis amata dei.