To the holy lords and bishops most worthy of the apostolic see, King Chlodovech. By the report of rumor, what was done or commanded to our whole army, before we entered the Gothic territory, could not pass by Your Blessedness. In the first place, concerning the ministry of all the Churches, we commanded that no one should attempt to seize anything in any matter, neither concerning the consecrated women, nor concerning the widows who were proved to be devoted in the religion of the Lord. By a like condition also concerning the clerics, or the sons of the aforesaid — both of the clerics and of the widows — who were seen to dwell with them in their own house.
The same also concerning the servants of the churches, who shall have been established by the oaths of the bishops as having been drawn from the churches, it has been commanded to be observed, that none of them should suffer any violence or harm. This is to be acknowledged in its full integrity, so that, of these aforesaid, if any one had suffered the force of captivity, whether in a church or outside a church, we command that they be restored altogether without any delay. But concerning the other lay captives, who were taken captive outside the peace, and shall have been approved, apostolic [authority] — your arbitration is not to be denied to whomever you may wish.
For concerning those, both clerics and laymen, who shall have been carried off in our territory, if you truly recognize them, send your letters, sealed below with your ring, to us in every way, and you shall know that an edict issued on our part is to be confirmed. Yet our people thus request, that to whomsoever you shall have deigned to furnish your letters, you do not delay to declare, with an oath by God and with your blessing, that this matter which is asked is true; for the varieties or falsities of many have been found out, so that it may be comprehended, as it is written: The just perishes together with the impious (Genesis 18). Pray for me, holy lords, and popes most worthy of the apostolic see.