Gregory to Venantius, the patrician of Palermo. I have received the writing of your most desired Excellency, in which I rejoiced as much at the discourse of one absent as I ever desire that he himself who spoke should be present to me. You wish, then, that certain things from the deeds of Samson be treated allegorically; but so great a weakness of body has befallen me that, if I should be able to undertake anything, my mind does not rouse itself to carry it out. Yet I rejoice together with your good desire, because, while you long for the exposition of the sacred words, you show how earnestly you seek the very Author of those same words. If, therefore, I recover the strength of health, by the authorship of the almighty Lord I will obey your desires.
Moreover I pray that in all your deeds the grace from on high may guard you, so that it may both fill you as you aspire to good work and strengthen you as it gives aid.