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History of the Franks
St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927
Book 6, 3. Of the Envoys Sent by Childebert to Chilperic
While Chilperic abode at Nogent, Egidius, bishop of Reims,1 came on an embassy to him with the chief notables of Childebert; and there they discussed a plan for depriving King Guntram of his kingdom and forming an alliance against him. And King Chilperic said: ‘So great were grown my sins that I have no sons more, nor remaineth there an heir to me, save only King Childebert, my brother Sigibert’s son. Therefore let him be heir of all that my labours may win; only let me keep the whole for the term of my natural life without trouble or dispute.’ They rendered him thanks, signed a pact in confirmation of the terms discussed, and returned to Childebert with great gifts. After their departure King Chilperic sent Bishop Leudovald2 with the first men of his kingdom, who gave and received oaths and came back bringing gifts.
Notes
- Cf. V. 12 (18); VI. 22 (31); VII. 14; IX. 14; X. 19; and Introduction, p. 86.
- Of Bayeux; cf. VIII. 31; IX. 13.