Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)→Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Gaudiosus, military commander in Africa
Date: ~591 AD
Context: Gregory, after the usual courtesies, commends a man named Hilarius to the general's protection.
Gregory to Gaudiosus, military commander in Africa.
After the courtesy of this greeting, I turn at once to the matter I wish to raise. A man named Hilarius has come to my attention as someone deserving of protection and assistance. I do not know all the details of his situation, but I have heard enough to believe that a word from you on his behalf could make a material difference.
I ask you, in the name of the charity we owe to those in difficulty, to receive Hilarius favorably when he comes before you and to extend whatever protection and assistance his situation requires. A man in an exposed position without powerful friends is vulnerable; your authority is exactly what he needs.
I do not ask you to act against justice — I ask you to act in its favor. If there is any question about the merits of the case, please inquire into it honestly and then act on what you find.
My gratitude for any assistance you can provide.
Gregory
Context:Gregory, after the usual courtesies, commends a man named Hilarius to the general's protection.
Gregory to Gaudiosus, military commander in Africa.
After the courtesy of this greeting, I turn at once to the matter I wish to raise. A man named Hilarius has come to my attention as someone deserving of protection and assistance. I do not know all the details of his situation, but I have heard enough to believe that a word from you on his behalf could make a material difference.
I ask you, in the name of the charity we owe to those in difficulty, to receive Hilarius favorably when he comes before you and to extend whatever protection and assistance his situation requires. A man in an exposed position without powerful friends is vulnerable; your authority is exactly what he needs.
I do not ask you to act against justice — I ask you to act in its favor. If there is any question about the merits of the case, please inquire into it honestly and then act on what you find.
My gratitude for any assistance you can provide. Gregory
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.