To Queen Brunhild, on the Relics of Peter and Paul

Gregory to Brunhild, queen of the Franks. [a] The tone of your letter, which shows a religious spirit and the earnestness of a devout mind, leads us not only to commend the purpose of your request but also to grant willingly what you ask. For indeed it would ill become us to refuse what Christian devotion and the desire of an upright heart ask for, especially since we know that what you ask for, and embrace with your whole heart, is what both protects the faith of believers and no less works the salvation of souls. So, greeting your excellency with fitting honor, we inform you that we have handed over, as your excellency asked, with the reverence due to them, certain relics of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul to Leuparic, who carries this letter, through whom we received your letter, and whom you described as a presbyter.

But so that your praiseworthy and religious devotion may stand out more and more among you, you must see to it that these gifts of the saints are placed with reverence and due honor, and that those who serve in attendance on them are troubled by no burdens or harassment. Otherwise, under the pressure of outward needs, they may perhaps become useless and slow in the service of God, and, God forbid, the gifts of the saints that have been given may suffer injury and neglect. So let your excellency see to their quiet, so that, guarded by your generosity from all disturbance, they may give praise to our God with untroubled minds, and a reward may also come to you in the life eternal.