Letter 2003: We informed your Glory some time ago that soldiers had been prepared to come to your parts; but, inasmuch as your letter had signified to us that the enemy were collected and were marching hitherward, we for this reason have detained them here. But now it appears to be advantageous that a certain number of soldiers should be sent to you, whom le...
Book II, Letter 3
To Velox, Magister Militum [a senior military commander].
Gregory to Velox.
We informed Your Glory some time ago that soldiers were ready to be sent to your area. However, since your letter warned us that the enemy had assembled and was marching toward us, we held them back. Now it seems beneficial to send a certain number of soldiers to you. Make sure to encourage and prepare them for hard work.
When you find the opportunity, confer with our distinguished sons Maurilius and Vitalianus [other military commanders], and carry out whatever they, with God's help, direct you to do for the advantage of the state.
If you learn that the despicable Ariulph [Duke of Spoleto, a Lombard military commander who frequently raided territory near Rome] is launching an attack toward us or toward Ravenna, strike at his rear, as brave men should, so that your reputation may, by God's help, grow even greater through the quality of your efforts.
Above all, we urge you to release without any delay or excuse the families of Maloin, Adobin, Vigild, and Grussing [Germanic soldiers or officers], who are known to be with the distinguished Magister Militum Maurilius. When Maurilius's men come to your area, they must be able to march with their families without hindrance.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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