Letter 2030: Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus, magistris militum. We have entreated your Glory through our son Vitalianus both by word and letter, charging you to communicate with him. But on the eleventh day of the month of January Ariulph sent us this letter which we forward to you.
Book II, Letter 30
To Maurilius and Vitalianus [senior military commanders].
Gregory to Maurilius and Vitalianus, Magistri Militum.
We have communicated with Your Glory through our son Vitalianus, both by word and by letter, urging you to coordinate with him. On the eleventh day of January, Ariulph [the Lombard Duke of Spoleto] sent us a letter which we are forwarding to you.
When you have read it, determine whether the people of Suana [a town in central Italy] have kept the loyalty they promised to the state. Take adequate hostages from them -- people you can rely on. Bind them again with oaths, return what you took from them as a pledge, and bring them back to a right mind through your negotiations.
However, if you clearly establish that they have negotiated with Ariulph about surrendering to him, or have given him hostages -- as Ariulph's letter that we are forwarding leads us to suspect -- then, after careful deliberation (so that neither your conscience nor mine is burdened regarding our oaths), do whatever you judge to be to the state's advantage. But act so that our adversaries cannot blame us for anything, and (may the Lord prevent it) nothing that the state requires is neglected.
Furthermore, my distinguished sons, take anxious care. The enemy, as far as I have determined, has gathered an army and is reportedly stationed at Narnia [modern Narni, a strategic town in Umbria controlling the approach to Rome]. If, by God's opposition, he decides to march toward us, plunder his positions as far as the Lord aids you. Or at least ensure that those you deploy maintain strict night watches, so that no news of any disaster reaches us unprepared.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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