Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 441

Gregory to Protasius, bishop of Aix in Gaul. How great is the love that shines forth in you for the blessed Peter, prince of the Apostles, has been made clear not only by the prerogative of your office, but also by the devotion which you bear toward the interests of his Church. And since we have learned this from the report of Augustine, servant of God and bearer of this letter, we greatly rejoice at the affection and the zeal for truth that is in you, and give thanks; for though absent in body, you yet show yourselves to be with us in mind and spirit, since indeed you display toward us the brotherly charity, as is fitting.

That therefore the good opinion which report has proclaimed of you may be confirmed by the truth of the facts, tell our brother and fellow-bishop Virgilius that the pensions which his predecessor received over very many years from our little patrimony, and retained with himself, he should be zealous to remit to us, since they are the property of the poor. But if perchance he should wish in any manner—which we do not believe—to excuse himself, you who know the truth itself more precisely, having indeed at that time held the office of steward (vicedominus) in that very Church, set forth how the matter stands, and let it not weigh upon him to retain with himself the property of Saint Peter and of his poor. And even if perhaps it should be needful for our men, do not deny your testimony in the cause;

so that, both for the sake of truth and for the devotion of your good will, the blessed Apostle Peter, for whose love you do these things, may repay you by his intercession both here and in the life to come. We earnestly commend to your Holiness our common son, Candidus the priest, to whom we have entrusted that same patrimony. (See above, letter 33.)