To Theodore, Duke of Sardinia, on Two Claims for Justice

Gregory to Theodore, and so on. [a]

The justice you carry in your mind you ought to show in the light of your deeds. Now Juliana, abbess of the monastery of Saint Vitus, which Vitula of venerable memory built some time ago, has informed us that Donatus, your official, is claiming possession of that monastery, and that, seeing himself protected by your patronage, he scorns to take the case to a judicial hearing. So now let your glory direct this official to submit the matter to arbitration together with that handmaid of God, so that whatever the arbitrators decide on the question in dispute may be carried out. In this way, whatever he finds he must lose or keep, what he does will not be counted as an act of virtue, but set down to the justice of the law. [b]

Further, Pompeiana, a religious lady, who is known to have founded a monastery in her own house, has complained that the mother of her late son-in-law wants to annul his will, so that her son’s last disposition of his property may be made void. For this reason we hold it necessary, with fatherly love, to urge your glory to lend yourself willingly, with due regard to justice, to pious causes, and kindly to order that whatever these persons have a rightful claim to be secured to them. And we pray the Lord to direct the way of your life favorably, and to grant you a prosperous administration of your high office.