Gregory of Tours: A Handbook for Princes

A Handbook for Princes

By Gregory of Tours

Selected passages from Chapter 4: The Appropriate Princess

Thoughts regarding a princess of humble background: 
A Prince is faced with many questions when choosing a future Queen.  Will he value the wealth she can bring to the kingdom and her political alliances? Or will he focus more on her demonstrated piety, her example as a mother and a god-fearing woman?  A woman of graceful form, honorable conduct, and prudent judgment cannot be overvalued.  Perhaps the Prince will choose to elevate a woman of humble circumstances, having commended her on inborn values and comely appearance rather than status and wealth. In this event, it should be considered whether a humble background is an inhibitor to a successful regent, or if it is in fact a promising quality that engenders success.
When it came time for King Sigibert to select his Queen, he was distressed with the trend of his brothers in selecting wives of humble backgrounds. We need only think of the historic example of Empress Theodora to understand the concern of an ill-prepared wife.  While a simple background may lead some to maintain a modest life upon achieving recognition, Theodora adopted such a lavish lifestyle as to put luxury ahead of her duties as a ruler.  One can only assume that it was her less fortunate foundations that led her to be so easily swayed towards consumption and greed.  She evidently became so concerned with the loss of power—and returning to the base conditions from which she arose—that she was willing to commit any crime, so long as she was able to maintain her grip on her title.
 
A less catastrophic but equally compelling concern with a humble princess is what she is inherently incapable of bringing to the marriage: mainly riches and experience.  Queen Brunhild brought not only wealth but astute wisdom to her husband’s side. Though he left this earthly life too early, she wisely guided their sons and grandsons through the tribulations of kingship, protecting her husband’s legacy.  She prevented an armed conflict involving the Duke of Champagne through her own bravery, her devotion to the protection of these noble families having been established through her high-ranking ties and political prowess. She was additionally adept at securing her country’s favorable position with her neighbors, sending a wondrous shield as a peace offering to Spain.  Her noble and educated upbringing undoubtedly prepared her well for the demanding role.  Would a woman of modest upbringing be prepared to provide the same level of partnership to her husband?

It has been established that a woman of humble background may be at easy risk for corruption, and a woman of wealth may bring certain resources and expertise with which a lowborn woman cannot compete.  But that is not to say a woman of humble origins is not without value; in fact, her previous experiences can often sculpt her into a pillar of virtue within a royal household.  In the Bible itself, Queen Esther was elevated to royalty at the appreciation of her great beauty, even though she did not bring status or wealth to the monarchy.  Regardless, she became a trusted advisor to the King and successfully defended his life from those would do him harm.  Additionally, her upbringing brought her closer to the needs of her husband’s people, whom she was able to defend when an evil advisor strove to mislead the King. As presented by Esther, even a Queen from a humble background can prove a formidable ally to her husband’s success.

Similarly, one cannot forget Queen Balthild, who was brought from across the sea and sold as a slave. She rose in the esteem of her masters through her temperance and prudence and was humble to all those with whom she interacted, even as she began to rise in status. Once Clovis had elevated her through marriage to a position deserving of her kind spirit, Balthild continued her earnest devotion to the Church while faithfully fulfilling her duties as a Queen and wife.  She kept counsel for her husband, acted as a guide for their children, and was a nurse for all the sick and poor.  Though she had not the benefit of a fortunate background, Balthild’s endowed sense of virtue led her securely through the trials of queenship, and to her husband she acted as a true and faithful partner.
A woman of humble background cannot bring riches or political ties to her husband; any worth she brings must come from her internal character.  But a pious, virtuous, and prudent woman is the most fitting partner to any King.  A woman from fewer means may not have the education of a high-born lady, but she may maintain a close connection with the people over whom their husband governs, like Esther.  In Balthild’s example, she may also have a more intimate appreciation for the suffering of unfortunates, and in her previous modesty have found a true and devout relationship with God.  If a Prince is in such a position as to prioritize these wholesome traits over those concerns of wealth, then certainly he is placing himself in a secure position by selecting a woman of virtue before a woman of status.