Letter 9117: Whereas for the government of a kingdom valour stands in need of justice, and power of equity, nor for this purpose can one suffice without the other, with what great love your care for these things is resplendent is shown plainly enough by the fact of your governing crowds of nations so laudably. Who then, considering this, can distrust the goo...
Gregory to Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
When governing a kingdom, valor needs justice and power needs equity — neither can stand without the other. How greatly your care for these virtues shines is made plain enough by the fact that you govern so many peoples so commendably. Who, then, knowing this, could doubt the goodness of Your Excellency or hesitate to bring a request before you, when he knows he is asking for the kind of thing you would willingly grant to your own subjects?
The bearer of this letter, Hilarius, a servant of Your Excellency, has asked us to support him with a letter of commendation, believing that our intercession with your authority will help his cause. He is confident that he will more readily obtain those favors you grant to others if our word speaks on his behalf.
Accordingly, greeting you with the affection of fatherly charity, we ask this: since he reports that he is suffering adversity at the hands of certain unjust persons, let the protection of Your Excellency defend him. By your command, see that he is kept safe from being oppressed without reason. In this way, no one's hostility will prevail unjustly or by mere caprice. We will give thanks for having obtained what we request — ultimately for the benefit of your own reward — and the blessed Peter, Prince of the Apostles, whom you honor in us with Christian devotion by granting what we ask, will repay Your Excellency.
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