Letter 12040: My dear Venantius, I am glad to make you this promise: when my health allows me to devote the necessary time and...

To the patrician Venantius. [Editorial summary: He promises that, when he has recovered, he will expound certain deeds of Samson allegorically.] Gregory to Venantius, patrician of Panormus [Palermo]. We have received the writings of your most longed-for excellency, in which we rejoiced as much at conversing with one who is absent as we ever desire that very man who has spoken to us to be present. You wish, then, that certain matters concerning the deeds of Samson should be discussed allegorically; but such weakness of body has befallen us that, even if we could undertake anything of the sort, our spirit does not rise up to carry it through. Yet we rejoice together with you in your good desire, because, while you long for an exposition of the sacred words, you show how earnestly you seek the very author of those same words. If, therefore, we recover the strength of health, by the help of the almighty Lord we will comply with your desires. We pray, moreover, that in all your actions the grace from on high may guard you, so that it may fill you up both by inspiring you to a good work and may strengthen you by helping you.

AD VENANTIUM PATRICIUM. | Spondet ze, ubi convaluerit, facta quedam Samoniz allegorice expositurum. Gregorius * Venantio palricio Panormitano. Desideratissimz excellentiz vesirz 8cripla suScepi, in quibus tantum de absentis collocutione gavisus Sum, quantum ipsum qui locutus est semper mihi cupio es3e prexsentem. Vultis ergo ut quzedam de Samsonis factis allegorice dis8erantur, sed lanta mihi debilitas corporis accidit, ut si qua subire Þ va- luerim, exercere animus non assurgal. Bono aulem desiderio vestro congaudeo, quia dum expositionem sacrorum verborum cupitis, quam $lricte ip$um au- ctorem eorumdem verborum quzritlis demonstralis. Si igitur vires salulis recepero, auctore omnipotente Domino vestris desideriis parebo. Uro autem ut in cunctis aclibus vestris gratia vos Superna custodiat, quatenus in bono opere et aspirando vos repleat, 6 adjuvando conforiet.