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

Ennodius to Faustus. Although the innocence of his office stands by as companion to safeguard a bishop, and one who has surpassed humanity by his calling has no need of human consolations, almighty God nonetheless knows that I have expended a conversation demanded of me at the bidding of the bearer of these present lines, a holy bishop. For I long resisted, lest it should seem arrogant if a servant should make assertions to a prelate, and that before a most holy conscience above all, when I am scarcely a man of middling quality. But perfect obedience consists in not refusing whatever the highest authority requires. And therefore, having rendered the homage of due greeting to one set above me, I pray that you would bring aid toward the consolation of one weighed down by many assaults, so that, doing the work of a singular good, you may not suffer an undeserving priest to lie subject to lasting sorrow.

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.