To Sabinus, Defensor of Sardinia, on Cases to Be Heard at Rome

Gregory to Sabinus, defensor of Sardinia.

Some serious matters that call for correction under the canons have come to our ears. We therefore charge your experience not to fail to have Januarius, our brother and fellow bishop, appear before us with all speed, together with John the notary, setting all excuses aside, so that what has been reported to us may be thoroughly investigated in his presence. Further, if the religious women Pompeiana and Theodosia wish to come here, as they have asked, give them your help in every way, so that with your assistance they may be able to do what they want. But above all, take care by every means to bring with you the most eloquent Isidore, as he has asked, so that the merits of the case he is known to have against the church of Cagliari may be fully gone into, and he may have it settled lawfully. [b]

Furthermore, some personal misconduct of the presbyter Epiphanius has been reported to us. You must investigate everything carefully, and make haste to bring with you at the same time the women with whom he is said to have sinned, or any others you suppose to know anything about the matter, so that the truth may be laid plainly open to the strictness of the church’s discipline. You will take care to carry out all these things so efficiently as to leave yourself open to no blame for negligence, knowing that it will be entirely at your own peril if this order of ours is carried out slackly in any way.