Letter 51: To the Presbyter Agapius,
To the Presbyter Agapius,
The works of virtue are admirable in themselves, but they appear even more admirable when they find an eloquence able to do them justice. Neither advantage has been lacking in the case of our God-beloved bishop, the lord Thomas: he has contributed his own labors on behalf of the faith, and he has found in your holiness a voice to give those labors their proper praise.
Coming to us with such a recommendation, we were all the more delighted to see him. After enjoying his company for a short while, we have sent him back to his responsibilities.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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You may conjecture from what it contains, what pleasure you have given me by your letter. The pureness of heart, from which such expressions sprang, was plainly signified by what you wrote. A streamlet tells of its own spring, and so the manner of speech marks the heart from which it came.