Letter 6009: Although the protection of a bishop rests upon the innocence that is the companion of his office, and although the...

From: Ennodius, deacon and literary figure in Pavia To: Faustus [Faustus Niger] Date: ~500 AD Context: A letter touching on the defense of a bishop's innocence — likely related to the contested pontificate of Symmachus, whom Ennodius championed vigorously. Ennodius to Faustus. Although the protection of a bishop rests upon the innocence that is the companion of his office, and although the truth needs no defender when it can speak for itself, there are times when even innocence requires an advocate. I write to you on a matter that concerns us both — the defense of one whose cause is just but whose enemies are powerful. You know the details better than I can set them down in a letter. What I ask is simply this: lend your weight to the side of justice, as you have always done, and let the strength of your position serve the cause that deserves it. The bearer will supply what this letter leaves unsaid. Farewell.

VIIII. ENNODIVS FAVSTO. Quamuis ad tutelam pontificis innocentia officii eius comes adsistat nec opus sit humanis solaciis ei, qui humanitatem professione superauit, scit tamen omnipotens deus me sancti episcopi portitoris praesentium iussioni exactum inpendisse conloquium. diu enim renisus sum, ne arrogans uideretur, si minister antistitem et apud sanctissimam conscientiam potissimum uix mediocris adsereret. sed perfecta oboedientia est quicquid summus exigit non negari. et ideo praelato debitae . salutationis obsequio precor, ut ad consolationem multis inpugnationibus praegrauati subsidium conferatis, quatenus singularis boni rem facientes non patiamini inmeritum sacerdotem diuturnae subiacere maestitiae.