Compliments

Letter 1,74 - to Gaudiosus, a general in Africa. August 591.

"Just as the light of a lamp spreads through the areas bordering it wherever it shines, even so the honesty of some person's good actions is recognized not only in the place where he spends his time, but also through various provinces, spread by his fame. And so since no sign of his presence can exist therein, the circulation of good report effects what the truth of the matter could have shown, if he were present.
For we have learnt that various judges, sent out to take administer the province of Africa, admire your Glory with a very great affection. This would not result, unless the sincerity of your mind were apparent among the same judges, so that they arranged the administration received by them with the participation of your counsel.
For this we give very great thanks to the Lord, as when we realize that the provinces have such fine inhabitants of their own, who are strong with innate nobility and stick close to men in power, and provide a remedy for their provincials, while making use of opportunities as they arise."


Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 188.