Gregory to Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. John, the bearer of the present letter, complains that his wife, fleeing the molestations of a certain George, has long resided within the venerable enclosures, and has hitherto found no solace. Since he asserts that there is a controversy concerning her status, and has asked that she be commended to Your Fraternity, we exhort you by these words that you ought, equity being preserved, to extend protection to that same woman, and that you permit her to be burdened by no one in any way against the order of reason. But if a question concerning her status persists, let it be your care that the matter come to judgment without any oppression, in a lawful manner;
so that, when, the truth being known, that which the order of law shall have counselled has been determined, neither party may grieve to have suffered any prejudice. In the month of May, in the first indiction.