Letter 2029: Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus, magistris militum. On receiving your Glory's letters we gave thanks to God that we were assured of your safety; and we greatly rejoiced at your careful provision; and what you wrote about was at once prepared. But the magnificent Aldio wrote to us after the arrival of your men that Ariulph was already near at...
Pope Gregory the Great→Maurilius and Vitalianus|c. 591 AD|gregory great
barbarian invasionimperial politics
Military conflict; Miracles & relics
Book II, Letter 29
To Maurilius and Vitalianus, Magistri Militum [senior military commanders defending central Italy].
Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus.
On receiving Your Glory's letters, we gave thanks to God for your safety and greatly rejoiced at your careful preparations. What you requested was immediately made ready. But the distinguished Aldio wrote to us after your men arrived saying that Ariulph [the Lombard Duke of Spoleto] was already close at hand, and we feared that soldiers sent to you might fall into his hands.
Here as well, as far as God grants aid, our son the distinguished magister militum [another military commander] has prepared his forces against Ariulph. But if the enemy advances toward us, let Your Glory also do what you can to strike at his rear, as you have done before.
We have hope in the power of Almighty God and of the blessed Peter himself, the Prince of the Apostles. Since Ariulph desires to shed blood on Peter's feast day, may he find Peter also standing against him without delay.
Book II, Letter 29
To Maurilius and Vitalianus.
Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus, magistris militum.
On receiving your Glory's letters we gave thanks to God that we were assured of your safety; and we greatly rejoiced at your careful provision; and what you wrote about was at once prepared. But the magnificent Aldio wrote to us after the arrival of your men that Ariulph was already near at hand, and we feared that the soldiers sent to you might fall into his hands. Yet here also, so far as God may give aid, our son the glorious magister militum has prepared himself against him. But, if the enemy himself should advance hither, let your Glory also, as you have been accustomed to do, accomplish what you can in his rear. For we hope in the power of Almighty God, and that of the blessed Peter himself, the Prince of the apostles, on whose anniversary he desires to shed blood, that he may find him also without delay opposed to him.
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Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360202029.htm>.
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Book II, Letter 29
To Maurilius and Vitalianus, Magistri Militum [senior military commanders defending central Italy].
Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus.
On receiving Your Glory's letters, we gave thanks to God for your safety and greatly rejoiced at your careful preparations. What you requested was immediately made ready. But the distinguished Aldio wrote to us after your men arrived saying that Ariulph [the Lombard Duke of Spoleto] was already close at hand, and we feared that soldiers sent to you might fall into his hands.
Here as well, as far as God grants aid, our son the distinguished magister militum [another military commander] has prepared his forces against Ariulph. But if the enemy advances toward us, let Your Glory also do what you can to strike at his rear, as you have done before.
We have hope in the power of Almighty God and of the blessed Peter himself, the Prince of the Apostles. Since Ariulph desires to shed blood on Peter's feast day, may he find Peter also standing against him without delay.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.