Letter 41: Hormisdas to Celer and Patricius, jointly.

Hormisdas to Celer and Patricius, alike [i.e., the same letter to each]. Although, in keeping with the regard owed to our office, we are by no means able to keep silent about the cause of the catholic faith, nevertheless the most serene prince [the emperor] has, by the addresses he has directed to us, greatly spurred on our zeal in this matter, and in accordance with his wish we have dispatched legates. And because a cause of this kind ought to be supported by the help of the sons of the Church, greeting you with fitting reverence and honor, we ask that, for the sake of ecclesiastical peace, you assist the representations of those who have been sent before the mind of the most serene prince. For no small recompense will attend the labor of your Highness, since you will have caused us to render thanks to almighty God for your works.

HORMISDA CELERI ET PATRICIO A PARI, Quamuis prO loci nostri consideratione de causa fidei catholicae minime tacere possimus, tamen ad hanc partem serenissimus princeps ma- gnopere directis affatibus nostrum incitauit studium, pro cuius 20 2 legatos uoluntate direximus. et quia huiusmodi causa filioiiim ecclesiae subleuari debet auxilio, salutantes cultu atque hono- rificentia competenti poscimus, ut pro ecclesiastica pace allega- tiones eorum, qui directi sunt, apud animos serenissimi principis adiuuetis. siquidem celsitudinis uestrae laborem non 25 Epist. CLI 1 — CLIIII 2. 601 parua retributio subsequitur, cum omnipotenti deo nos gratias persoluere de uestris operibus feceritis.