Pope Gregory the Great → Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia
Tradução moderna em inglês
Gregory to Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia.
From the letters of my brother and fellow bishop Felix, and of the servant of God Cyriacus, we have learned of your Glory's fine qualities. We give great thanks to Almighty God that Sardinia has such a duke — one who knows how to fulfill his duty to the state in earthly matters while also showing proper reverence to Almighty God for the sake of the heavenly homeland.
They have written to tell me that you are negotiating peace terms with the Barbaricini on conditions that would bring these same Barbaricini into the service of Christ. This fills me with great joy, and, if it pleases Almighty God, I will promptly report your accomplishments to our most serene emperors.
Continue what you have begun. Show the devotion of your heart to Almighty God, and give every possible support to those we have sent to your region for the conversion of the Barbaricini. Know that such efforts will strengthen your standing both before our earthly rulers and in the eyes of the heavenly King.
Texto inglês de origem
Book IV, Letter 24 To Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia. Gregory to Zabardas, etc. From the letters of my brother and fellow bishop Felix, and of the servant of God, Cyriacus, we have learned your Glory's good qualities. And we give great thanks to mighty God, that Sardinia has got such a duke; one who so knows how to do his duty to the republic in earthly matters as to know also how to exhibit to Almighty God dutiful regard for the heavenly country. For they have written to me that you are arranging terms of peace with the Barbaricini on such conditions as to bring these same Barbaricini to the service of Christ. On this account I rejoice exceedingly, and, should it please Almighty God, will speedily notify your gifts to our most serene princes. Do you, therefore, accomplish what you have begun, show the devotion of your heart to Almighty God, and help to the utmost of your power those whom we have sent to your parts for the conversion of the Barbaricini ; knowing that such works may avail much to aid you both before our earthly princes and in the eyes of the heavenly king.