Letter 3021: To my holy lord, praiseworthy for his apostolic deeds, my dear lord, particularly sweet in Christ, Father Avitus...

XXI. To my holy lord, praiseworthy for his apostolic deeds, my dear lord, particularly sweet in Christ, Father Avitus [bishop of Clermont, not the bishop of Vienne of an earlier generation] — Fortunatus, the humble Attentive in holy duties, father Avitus, city's glory, height of bishops, our lofty love — through whom the people, the region, the pilgrim and the stranger are nourished, in whom everyone finds all that he desires — I received from you, though unworthy, the kind gifts of a patron. You did not forget the least sheep in your pasture. You who draw your flocks by your speech to the eternal pastures of Christ — how they live is also your concern. Your sheltering wing always protects the absent even as you are present: wherever your foot does not run, you are entirely there in your gift. By your gifts, Agnes [Agnes, abbess of the Holy Cross at Poitiers] and Radegund [Queen Radegund, Fortunatus's beloved patron] pray for you with the manifold warmth of their voice. You will carry your talents [Matthew 25:14-30] to be opened toward heaven, high father — those you will harvest hundredfold in their proper season. Through the Lord and good King I ask, you who serve in the court of heaven — please, kindly one, be mindful of your Fortunatus.

XXI Domino sancto atque apostolicis actibus praeconando, domno pio et peculiariter dulci in Christo, patri Avito papae Fortunatus humilis Officiis intente piis, pater urbis Avite, gloria pontificum, noster et altus amor, per quem plebs, regio, peregrinus et hospes aluntur, in quo cuncta capit quae sibi quisque cupit: ex opere inmeritus merui pia dona patroni. ne minimam pascens inmemor esses ovem. qui trahis ore greges aeterna ad pabula Christi, qualiter hinc vivant est quoque cura tui. semper et absentes praesens tua protegit ala: quo pede non curris, munere totus ades. muneribus vestris Agnes aut Radegundis multiplici orantes fomite vocis agunt. ad caelos penetranda seras, pater alte, talenta, quae centena suo tempore culta metas. per dominum regemque bonum precor, aulice praesul, ut Fortunati sis memor, alme, tui.