The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville - Pot-pourri

found me in Toledo, for I had been summoned on
account of the Council. But though the king’s command
suggested that I should return despite already being on
the road, nevertheless I preferred not to cut short the
progress of my journey since I was nearer to his own
presence than I was to my starting point. I came into
the presence of the king and found your deacon there.
On receiving from him your eloquent letter I clasped
it eagerly and read it, and gave thanks to God for your
health, wishing with all my might that, although I am
weak and worn out, I might still have the assurance,
through Christ, of seeing you in this life, because (cf.
9 By word of mouth or a separate letter. Braulio had apparently
named a specific person in addition to what he said at the end of the
preceding letter.
10 This important text, apparently a dedication of the Etymologies
before it was finished, is unfortunately ambiguous. Recordatio
(“recollection”) can mean “memory” or “(written) record.” Veteris
lectionis probably means “readings from antiquity (i.e., of ancient
authors),” but conceivably “my old (course of) reading.” Stilo can
mean “by the pen” or “in the style (i.e. manner).” Some manuscripts
substitute the name of Braulio for that of Sisebut – perhaps a change
made by Isidore after Sisebut’s death in 621 – and some manuscripts
preserve the dedications both to Sisebut and Braulio: see Reydellet
1966:435 for the details.
Correspondence of Isidore and Braulio 413
Romans 5:5): “Hope confoundeth not through charity,
which is poured forth in our hearts.”
While ontheroadIsentamanuscript of the Etymologies,
along with some other manuscripts, and although it
has not been emended due to my health, still I was eager
to offer it to you immediately for emendation, if I had
reached the place chosen for the council. As far as the
appointment of the Bishop of Tarragona is concerned,
Ihave sensed that the king’s opinion is not the one that
you sought. 9 There is still uncertainty, however, as to
where he may more decisively set his mind.
I ask that you may think fit to become an intercessor
with the Lord for my sins, so that my transgressions
may be obliterated at your successful entreaty, and my
misdeeds forgiven. This in his own hand: Pray for us,
most blessed lord and brother.
VI. From Isidore to my lord and my son Sisebut (i.e.
the Visigoth king of Spain; probably 620). See, as I
promised, I have sent you the work On the Origin of Certain
Things, compiledfrommyrecollection of readings
from antiquity and annotated in certain places as written
by the pen of our ancestors. 10