教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 613 章

Gregory to Brunhilda, queen of the Franks. Since in the governance of a kingdom virtue has need of justice and power of equity, and neither of these can suffice for it without the other, the more the love of these shines pre-eminent in you, from this indeed it is plainly shown, since you govern the multitudes of the peoples in praiseworthy fashion. Who therefore, considering these things, would distrust the goodness of your excellency, or be doubtful of obtaining a request, when he has judged that those things ought to be asked of you which he knows you willingly able to bestow on your subjects? The bearer of the present letter, then, Hilarius, servant of your excellency, esteeming himself to be helped before your power by our intervention, has begged that our letters of commendation support him:

holding it the more certain that he will merit, as you grant to others, if our intercession should speak on his behalf. Wherefore, rendering the addresses of greeting with the affection of fatherly charity, we ask that — since he professes himself to labour under the adversities of certain wicked men — the protection of your excellency may fortify him; and that, lest he be able to be oppressed against reason, you may command by your order that he be safe;

so that while, by your command and favour, no man's adversity has place unjustly and merely for the sake of will alone, we may both render thanks for the things obtained which we ask rather for your reward, and that blessed Peter, prince of the apostles — whom in us, by granting what we ask, you venerate with Christian devotion — may recompense your excellency.