Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 252

Gregory to Peter, subdeacon of Campania. What a crime was committed at the fortress of Lucullanum against Paul, our brother and fellow bishop, a report sent to us has made plain. And because in these days Scholasticus, a magnificent man, judge of Campania, was found here present, we specially charged him that he ought to correct with strict amendment the madness of so great a perversity. But because now the bearer of the aforesaid report has admonished us to send a person, we have therefore sent thither the subdeacon Epiphanius, that together with the aforesaid judge he may be able to investigate and learn by whom the sedition was stirred up or committed, and to avenge it with worthy retribution.

Let your Experience therefore hasten with all your strength to lend aid in this cause, so that both the truth may be known and punishment may be able to proceed against the offenders. Since therefore the slaves of the glorious Clementina are said to have taken part in the same crime, and to have hurled forth cries that stirred up the sedition — if it is so, subject them strictly to the impending retribution, nor let your severity be more remiss on account of her person, since they are to be struck all the more heavily, inasmuch as, being the servants of a noble woman, they offended out of sheer pride.

But it also behooves you to inquire with subtle investigation whether the aforesaid woman had a share in the counsel of so great an enormity of crime, or whether it was perpetrated with her knowledge, so that all may be able to learn from our defense how perilous it is to transgress against a priest not only with hands but even with words. For if anything in this cause be slackened or omitted, know that it pertains to your fault and rather to your own peril; nor will you find any place of excuse with us. For inasmuch as this matter commends you to us, if it be most strictly investigated and amended, so, if it be dealt with lightly, know that our indignation against you is sharpened.

But if any slaves should hereafter take refuge in the monastery of Saint Severinus, or in another church of the same fortress, coming from the city, as soon as it comes to your knowledge, in no way permit them to linger there, but let them be recalled within the city into the church; and if they have a just complaint against their masters, they must go out from the churches with fitting arrangement. But if they have committed a venial fault, let them, having received an oath of pardon, be restored to their masters without delay.