Gregory to Anthemius, subdeacon of Campania. Peter the clergyman, bearer of these presents, has complained to us that he was falsely accused by certain boys, and that his case was neither discussed, as it ought to have been, by strict examination, nor was he condemned by anyone, but only forbidden by his own bishop lest he should dare to proceed with him. Hearing which we took it altogether ill, because, the truth being subtly investigated, he ought either to have condemned him as guilty as the quality of the case required, or certainly to have absolved him as innocent.
Since therefore both the case demands it, and the aforementioned bearer greatly requests that a subtle investigation should be made concerning this matter, we command you by present authority that, together with our most reverend brother and fellow bishop Fortunatus, and, if it seem good to you, our glorious son Maurentius, you should strive by very subtle inquiry and investigation to learn the truth of the attempted crime; and so either to punish the fault or hasten to relieve the innocence, that you may neither appear to have been negligent in anything, nor that this case may remain any longer without definition.