To Secundus at Ravenna, on the Peace and on Marinianus

Gregory to Secundus, servant of God at Ravenna. [a] Now that Castorius has returned and told us everything that has passed between you and King Agilulf, we have taken care to send him back to you with all speed, so that no one may find an excuse against us on the grounds of delay. So, once you have learned from him all that has to be done, give the matter your earnest attention, and press in every way for this peace to be arranged, since, as the report goes, there are some who are trying to hinder it. So make haste to act vigorously, so that your labor may not be without result. For both these parts and various islands are already in great danger. [b]

Stir up our brother the bishop Marinianus with whatever words you can use, for I suspect he has fallen asleep. Certain people have come to me, among them some aged beggars. I questioned them about what they had received and from whom, and they told me in detail how much had been given them on their journey, and by whom. But when I asked them what my brother just named had given them, they replied that they had asked him, but had received nothing at all from him, so that they did not get even bread on the way, though it has always been the familiar custom of that church to give to all. For they said that he answered them, “I have nothing I can give you.” And I am surprised that a man who has clothes, money and storehouses has nothing to give to the poor. [c]

Tell him, then, that along with his place he should change his disposition too. Let him not believe that reading and prayer alone are enough for him, so that he thinks to sit apart and bear no fruit at all with his hand. Let him have an open hand; let him help those who suffer need; let him believe the wants of others to be his own; since if he does not have these things, he bears only the empty name of a bishop. I did give him some warnings about his soul in my letter, but he has sent me no reply whatever, from which I suppose he has not even deigned to read them. For this reason there is no need now for me to warn him at all in my letter to him, and so I have written only what I could dictate as his adviser in worldly matters. For it is not my duty to tire myself out dictating for a man who does not read what is said to him. So let your love speak to him about all these things privately, and warn him how he ought to conduct himself, so that he may not, through his present negligence, lose the benefit of his former life, which God forbid.