Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 653

Gregory to Innocentius, prefect of Africa. The brilliant and honey-seasoned eloquence of your eminence, seasoned with the honey of the heart, has so instilled into us its savor to the very marrow, and ravished us into love of itself, that both what you write sounds sweet to us, and what you do tastes pleasant; and not undeservedly, since he who is adorned with good pursuits is great by judgment, not by favor. But learning that you have taken up the girdle of the prefecture, sadness mingled itself with our joy. For on the one hand we rejoiced at the advancement of a most sweet son; on the other we were saddened, because how grave it is in confused times to be set over greater places, we perceive utterly from our own grief. Whence we must strive by all means that a harsh matter may become an occasion of reward.

For, as you know, from land full of thistles wheat comes forth, and from thorns the rose is produced. While therefore the time is suitable for you to sow, do not cease to sow the seeds of good works, that you may bring back greater sheaves of joy in the day of harvest, and may come to eternal glory through the merit of a transitory honor. Learning therefore what zeal you have shown in preparing the warships, we relieve your solicitude by the desired news, indicating that with the king of the Lombards, until the month of March of the coming fourth indiction, we have agreed—the Lord being propitious—concerning peace. Whether it will be maintained we do not know, since the same king has afterward been reported to have died, though it is still held uncertain.

But concerning Anamundarus, we have done what you wrote; but would that effect may follow the will, since, as far as it pertains to us, we do not deny the solace of our intercession to the afflicted. But as for the fact that you wished a codex to be transmitted to you on the exposition of holy Job, we rejoice altogether at your zeal; since we behold your eminence devoting itself to that work which neither permits you to go wholly forth abroad, and gathers you back again to the heart when you are scattered by secular cares. But if you desire to be fattened with delicious fare, read the little works of blessed Augustine, your fellow-countryman, and in comparison with the fine flour of that man, do not seek our bran.

Moreover, what patronage and what affection your glory has shown in the necessities of the poor, lovers of the blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, we have learned by the testimony of Hilarus our chartulary. For which reason, rendering abundant thanks, we entreat the mercy of Almighty God, that He may fortify you with the protection of His grace, and may permit neither wicked men to prevail against you outwardly, nor malignant spirits inwardly; but may so dispose your actions in His fear, being propitious, that, as He has done among men, so also, after the courses of a long life, He may make you glorious in the number of His saints.