Gregory to the people, presbyters, deacons, and clergy of the Church of Milan. The bearer of these presents, Arethusa, a most illustrious woman, on account of the matter of a legacy which Laurentius our brother, your bishop of reverend memory, had left to her and to her husband and children, has long tarried with us, as you recall. Wherefore we had sent our letters to Constantius, brother and fellow-bishop of memorable remembrance, that with priestly zeal he ought, the din of quarrels ceasing, to settle that cause together with her. Which thing—as we believe you know—he had answered that he had both formerly wished to do, and then still wished to do. But because the bearer of these letters has long tarried in this city, and deferred to return thither, until now it could not be brought to a decision.
For this reason we exhort your love by these present writings that, when the said woman comes thither, you show her the charity which befits sons of the Church, and, when the Church shall have been ordered, with God as its author, you so act that this cause, which has been delayed for so long a time, may be brought to a conclusion without delay, equity being preserved; so that neither may the aforesaid woman be wearied any longer, nor may you seem, contrary to the ecclesiastical purpose, to have denied to those who seek it that which is just.