To Romanus, Patrician and Exarch of Italy

Gregory to Romanus, patrician and exarch of Italy. We believe that your excellency already knows of the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church of Milan. As far as we have learned from the report of the clergy, all have agreed in electing our son Constantius, deacon of that same church. So, to keep up old custom, we had to send a soldier of our church, to have the man whom he finds favored unanimously by the will and consent of all consecrated by his own bishops, as ancient custom requires, though still with our assent. Therefore, greeting you with fatherly affection as we are bound to, we ask your excellency to be pleased to give your support, as justice allows, to Constantius, whether he is elected or not, whenever the need arises. So this service may both raise you up here before your enemies and commend you in advance before God in the life to come. For he is one of mine, and was once very close to me. And you ought to hold as your own, and to love especially, those whom you know to be ours. [b]