Theodoret of Cyrrhus → Constantius

To Constantius, Prefect,

If no pressing need compelled me to write to your greatness, I might rightly be accused of presumption -- of failing to measure myself or to recognize the weight of your office. But the last remnants of the city and district God has entrusted to my care are in danger of complete ruin, and certain men have dared to bring slanderous charges against a recent tax assessment [a "visitation" -- an official review of tax obligations]. I am confident your magnificence will pardon my boldness once you understand the circumstances.

I groan at being forced to write against a man whose errors I would rather cover with a veil, since he belongs to the clergy. Nevertheless, I write to defend the poor he is wronging.

Here are the facts: after being charged with numerous offenses, this man was excluded from communion pending a synod's investigation. Terrified of the bishops' verdict, he fled -- trampling the laws of the Church underfoot and, by his contempt for excommunication, revealing his true character. He has taken up the role of informer -- a trade unfit even for men of the lowest occupations -- and out of personal hatred for the distinguished Philip, he has attacked the wretched taxpayers of our district.

I will spare your excellency a full account of his character and history. I ask only this: do not believe his lies. Ratify the tax assessment. Spare the wretched taxpayers. Spare the thrice-wretched decurions [city councilors personally liable for tax collection] who cannot extract the sums demanded of them. Everyone knows how severe the taxation is in our region.