¹ We offer thanks to you, as we write to you from our homeland, for you have made a homeland for us in our exile. Through your tireless generosity, you have tempered our longing for our native land, as one who, by successive acts of kindness, has softened the severity of divine justice—so that what was imposed for correction might be transformed into honour, granted as consolation, changed into rest; so that our merits would be overlooked while yours would be multiplied; so that, forgetting what was owed, He would increase your rewards, displaying the greatness of His goodness to both parties—enriching us through your service and you through our exile.

² Thus, it has come to pass that, impatient to bestow the blessings of the future even in the present, He has, through His mercy, justice, sincerity, self-restraint, and kindness—the very advocates of His household—exalted His most faithful servant upon the lampstand of His house. Behold, at what price my Ruricius has obtained the highest priesthood! That by which he purchased it is itself what he has acquired, and even his own witnesses, in acclaiming him, bear testimony that he has found in the refuge of honour the very cause of honour. Therefore, he who knew how to attain so great a gift in the name of Christ also knows how to guard it.

³ I commend to you the bearer of this letter, the holy priest Florentius, whom I have long known and who is adorned with the example of his teacher and the virtues of his character. Since he is journeying for the release of his sister, I introduce him to you, for he has presented himself to me as a fitting and welcome intermediary. I send my fatherly greetings to your entire household, both the elders and the younger members. My fellow servants, who are both indebted to you and admirers of you, join me in offering their reverent regards. May our Lord preserve your blessedness, so worthy of honour, in perfect longevity for the benefit of His Church and for our joy. Most blessed lord, most worthy of reverence with due piety, and most fittingly honoured in the apostolic see, I greet you as a brother.