Letter 10

UnknownChurch of Neocaesarea|c. 723 AD|boniface

[Context: Charles Martel (688-741) was the natural [i.e. born out of wedlock] son of Pippin of Heristal. He received the appellation Martel (the Hammer) from his victory over the Saracens at Tours, upon the issue of which depended the fate of Christendom.]

To the holy lords and apostolic fathers, bishops, dukes, counts, regents, servants, lesser officials and friends, Charles, Mayor of the Palace, hearty greetings.

Let it be known that the apostolic father Bishop Boniface has come into our presence and begged us to take him under our protection. Know then that it has been our pleasure to do this.

Furthermore, we have seen fit to issue and seal with our own hand an order that wheresoever he goes, no matter where it shall be., he shall with our love and protection remain unmolested and undisturbed, on the understanding that he shall maintain justice and receive justice in like manner.

And if any question or eventuality arise which is not covered by our law, he shall remain unmolested and undisturbed until he reach our presence, both he and those who put their trust in him, so that as long as he remains under our protection no man shall oppose or do him harm.

And in order to give greater authority to this our command, we have signed it with our own hand and sealed it below with our ring.

(Tangl, 22)

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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