Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 418

Gregory to Secundus, servant of God, at Ravenna. After Castorius on his return indicated to us all the things that were transacted between you and King Agilulf, lest anyone should have been able to find an excuse against us on the ground of delay, we have provided for him to be sent back there with all speed. Learning therefore from him the things that are to be done, be solicitous, and by every means press on so that this peace may be arranged, because, as far as is said, some are attempting to hinder this. Wherefore hasten to act strenuously, so that your labor may not remain without effect. For now both these parts and the various islands are placed in grave peril. Rouse our brother Bishop Marinianus with such words as you can, because I suspect that he has fallen asleep.

For certain men came to me, among whom were certain begging old men, who were questioned by me as to from whom and what they had received, and they related one by one how much was given to them, and by whom, on the journey. And when I carefully inquired of them concerning the aforesaid brother, what he had given them, they answered that they had asked him, but had received absolutely nothing from him—so much so that they did not even receive bread on the way, whereas to give to all was always customary to that Church. For they said: He answered us, saying, 'I have nothing that I can give you.' And I marvel if he who has garments, has silver, has storerooms, does not have what he ought to give to the poor. Tell him therefore that he should change with his place also his mind.

Let him not believe that reading and prayer alone suffice him, so that, withdrawn, he should be zealous to sit, and by no means bear fruit with his hand; but let him have a generous hand, let him run to help those who suffer need, let him reckon another's want as his own; because if he does not have this, he holds the empty name of a bishop. Certain things indeed I admonished him about his soul by my letter, but he answered me nothing at all, whence I believe that he did not even deign to read them. Wherefore it was now no longer necessary that I should admonish him anything by my letter, but I have written only those things which, as a counselor in earthly causes, I was able to dictate. For I ought not to weary myself in dictation to a man who does not read.

Let your Charity therefore speak all things to him in secret, and admonish him how he ought to dispose himself, lest through present negligence he lose—which God forbid—the life of his former days.