Jerome – Letter 79
| Document: | Letter 79 |
| Incipit: | Vereor, ne officium putetur |
| Addressee: | Salvina |
| Date: | 400 (Kelly p. 216) |
| Earliest ms.: | Karlsruhe, Germany: Badische Landesbibliothek, Aug.Perg.CV, between folios 124-234. 8-9th century. (Lambert, I: p. 787) |
| Latin Text: | CSEL 55, pp. 87-101 |
| English Translation: | Fremantle, pp. 163-168; Duff, pp. 270-78. |
| Notes: | A letter of consolation addressed by Jerome to Salvina (a lady of the imperial court) on the death of her husband Nebridius. After excusing his temerity in addressing a complete stranger Jerome eulogizes the virtues of Nebridius, particularly his chastity and his bounty to the poor. He next warns Salvina (in no courtier-like terms) of the dangers that will beset her as a widow and recommends her to devote all her energies to the careful training of the son and daughter who are now her principal charge. The tone of the letter is somewhat arrogant and it can hardly be regarded as one of Jerome’s happiest efforts. Salvina, however, consecrated her life to deeds of piety, and became one of Chrysostom’s deaconesses. – Fremantle |
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