To Constantius, Bishop of Milan, on the Trial of Maximus at Ravenna

Gregory to Constantius, and so on.

Maximus, who betrayed his trust in the church of Salona, failed to get anything through the greater powers of this world, and so he has turned to the lesser ones. By a flood of entreaties and by pointing to his good works, he is trying to win us over. This being so, I have thought it would be inhuman of me if a man who says he greatly fears me could not find me at least somewhat more lenient. So I have decided that our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Marinianus should hear his case in the city of Ravenna. If, however, by any chance he is regarded with suspicion, we want your fraternity also, if it is not too much trouble for you, to take the pains of going to the same city and sitting with our brother in the same trial. Whatever, then, seems good to each of your holinesses, know that it will seem good to me. I accept your judgment as my own, and whatever you both think should be pardoned, be assured that I pardon. But take careful heed that we do not appear either sinfully lax or harsh to the injury of holy church. We have charged the chartulary Castorius with carrying this out, so that he may report to us in full everything that has been done. [a]