Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 375

Gregory to Severus, scholasticus of the exarch. Those who attend upon judges, and are bound to them by sincere affections, ought to urge and suggest to them those things which both save the soul and do not detract from their good name. Accordingly, since we know with how great sincerity of faith you love the most excellent exarch, we have taken care to make known to your Greatness what has been done, so that, learning these things, you may reasonably move him to consent. Know moreover that Agilulf, king of the Lombards, does not refuse to make a general peace, provided nevertheless that the lord Patrician be willing that there be a judicial hearing; for he complains that many things have been committed against him in his own places within the bounds of the peace.

And since he demands that satisfaction be made to him, if reason find that judgment ought to be given, he too on his part promises that he will in every way make satisfaction, if anything be established to have been committed against the peace by his side. Since therefore it is not doubted that what he asks accords with reason, there ought to be a judicial hearing, so that if any evil deeds have been done by either party, they may be settled, provided only that a general peace may, God protecting, be confirmed; for how necessary it is to us all, you well know. Wisely therefore, as you have been accustomed, act, so that the most excellent exarch ought without delay to consent to this, lest through him peace should seem to be refused, which is not expedient. For if he be unwilling to consent, let him at least make a special peace with us —

this indeed will avail him; but we know that both the various islands and other places will without doubt be ruined. Let him therefore consider these things, and hasten to have peace, so that at least in this respite we too may be able to draw a little rest, and the strength to resist for the commonwealth may, with the Lord's help, be the better restored.