Letter 9014: Ad Chrodinum ducem

To Duke Chrodinus Distinguished duke, proclaimed throughout the whole world for your merits — whom brilliant fame reports as extraordinary — I will not pass over your high praises, Chrodinus [Duke Chrodinus, a prominent Frankish magnate, possibly the same as Chrodin who appears in Gregory of Tours], lest I alone seem to be silent about great men's goodness. Italian soil and Germany alike applaud you; your praise sounds always in everyone's mouth. Bright from ancient origins, more noble by worthy birth — you who were destined to please both kings and homeland. Others acknowledge you as their guardian and nurturer: those who have found their way to your table know what it means to be well received. You lead the young, advise the old, and protect all — not by the force of your rank alone but by the force of your character. For what is a duke, finally, but a leader of his people? And you have led yours: in war, by your courage; in peace, by your justice; at table, by your generosity; in counsel, by your wisdom. Italy knows your name because the news of such a man crosses every border. Long may you govern, Chrodinus. Long may those under your protection know themselves safe.

XVI Ad Chrodinum ducem Inclite dux, meritis totum vulgate per orbem, quem nimis egregium splendida fama refert, non ego praeteream praeconia celsa, Chrodine, ne videar solus magna silere bonis. Itala terra tibi, pariter Germania plaudunt, laus tua cunctorum semper in ore sonat. clarus ab antiquis, digno generosior ortu, regibus et patriae qui placiturus eras. te tutorem alii nutritoremque fatentur et fit certamen de pietate tua. ut habeant alii, nulli tua dona recusas: tu tibi plus auges quas bene fundis opes. cui possis praestare, libens exquiris, et optas, ut sis apud cunctos: hos facis esse tuos. es generale bonum, nulli gravis, omnibus aequus, iustitiae socium nulla rapina tenet. mitis in alloquio, placidus, gravis atque modestus, omnia cui data sunt, ut decus omne geras. gentibus adstrictus, Romanis carus haberis, felix qui populis semper in ore manes.