Gregory to Peter, subdeacon of Campania. Just as in the judgments of laymen we do not desire to disturb their privileges, so, when they prejudge, we wish you to resist with moderate authority. For to coerce violent laymen is not to act against the laws, but to bring aid to the law.
Since therefore Deusdedit, son-in-law of Felix of Orticellum, is said to have inflicted violence upon the bearer of these presents, and to be unlawfully withholding the aforesaid property, so that the dejection of her widowhood is found not to provoke mercy but to strengthen his malice, we command your Experience that both against the aforesaid man, and in the other causes in which the aforesaid woman asserts that she is suffering prejudice, you extend to her the aid of protection, and permit her to be oppressed by no one; lest either you be found negligent in any part in those things which are enjoined upon you — saving, however, equity — or lest widows and other poor persons, while they find no help there, be worn out by the losses arising from the length of this journey.