Soldiers Preparing For Battle

Letter 2,4 - to Velox, military commander, on the persecution of Ariulf. September 591.

"We certainly told your Glory some time ago that soldiers were ready to go there. But since your letter had signified that enemy troops had collected here also, and were on the move, that was the reason why we kept ours here. But now it seems useful for some soldiers to be transported there, and your Glory should be keen to advise and encourage them to be prepared for hard work.
And if you have a change, have a talk with our glorious sons, Maurice and Vitalian, and do whatever remains for you to do for the good of the Republic, with the help of God. If you learn that the unmentionable Ariulf is escaping, either here or in the region of Ravenna, then take action at his rear in such a way as is fitting for brave men, so that the fame you get from the quality of your hard work may bring greater benefits for the republic, with the help of God."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:195 .