To Desiderius, Bishop of Vienne, on Teaching Grammar

Gregory to Desiderius, and so on. [a]

Many good things had been reported to us about your pursuits, and such joy arose in our heart that we could not bear to refuse what your fraternity had asked to have granted to you. But afterward it came to our ears, what we cannot mention without shame, that your fraternity is in the habit of teaching grammar to certain persons. We took this so much amiss, and disapproved of it so strongly, that what we had said before turned into groaning and sadness, since the praises of Christ cannot find room in one mouth with the praises of Jupiter. Consider for yourself how grave and wicked an offense it is for bishops to sing what is not fitting even for a devout layman. And though our most beloved son Candidus the presbyter, when he came to us, was strictly questioned on this matter and denied it, and tried to excuse you, still the thought has not left our mind. The more abhorrent it is for such a thing to be told of a priest, the more it ought to be established by strict and truthful evidence whether it is so or not. So if hereafter what has been reported to us is clearly shown to be false, and it is plain that you do not give yourself to trifles and worldly literature, we will give thanks to our God, who has not allowed your heart to be stained with the blasphemous praises of the abominable. And we will then deal with the granting of what you ask without misgiving or hesitation. [b]

We commend to you in every respect the monks whom we have sent, with our most beloved son Laurentius the presbyter and Mellitus the abbot, to our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Augustine, so that through your fraternity’s help no delay may hold up their journey. [c]