To Narses the Patrician, on an Ape Called a Lion

Gregory to Narses, and so on. [a]

In describing the sweetness of contemplation in lofty terms, you have renewed the groans of my fallen state; for I hear what I have lost inwardly while climbing outwardly, though undeserving, to the very top of rule. Know, then, that I am struck with such great sorrow that I can hardly speak, for the dark shades of grief block the eyes of my soul. Whatever I look on is sad; whatever is thought delightful seems mournful to my heart. For I reflect to what a dismal height of outward advancement I have climbed in falling from the lofty height of my rest. And, sent for my faults into the exile of busy employment, away from the face of my Lord, I say with the prophet, in the words, as it were, of ruined Jerusalem, “He who should comfort me has gone far from me.” But when, in seeking a likeness to express my condition and title, you compose rounded periods and declamations in your letter, you are certainly, dearest brother, calling an ape a lion. In this we see that you do as we often do when we call mangy puppies leopards or tigers. For I, my good man, have as it were lost my children, since through earthly cares I have lost works of righteousness. So do not call me Naomi, that is, fair; but call me Mara, for I am full of bitterness. [b]

But as to your saying that I ought not to have written “that you should plow with wild oxen in the Lord’s field,” since in the sheet shown to the blessed Peter wild oxen and all wild beasts were presented to view: you know yourself that it is added, “Kill and eat.” You, then, who had not yet killed these beasts, why did you already want to eat them through obedience? Or do you not know that the beast you wrote about refused to be killed by the sword of your mouth? You must, then, satisfy the hunger of your desire with those whom you have been able to pierce and kill.

Further, as to the case of our brothers, I think that, if God gives his help, it will be as you have written. It was by no means right for me, however, to write about it at present to our most serene lords, since at the very outset one should not begin with complaints. But I have written to my well-loved son, the deacon Honoratus, that he should mention the matter to them in a suitable way at a fitting time, and let me know their reply quickly. I ask that greetings be given on my behalf to the lord Alexander, the lord Theodore, my son Marinus, the lady Esicia, the lady Eudochia, and the lady Dominica. [f]