Gregory to Vitus, defensor. If you are held bound to no condition or to no man's service, and have not been a cleric of another city, nor do the statutes of the canons oppose you in anything, it has, with a view to ecclesiastical usefulness, been settled by our judgment that you should receive the office of defensor of the Church, and whatever shall be enjoined upon you by us for the advantages of the poor, you should execute uncorruptly and diligently; enjoying this privilege, which after deliberation held concerning you we have conferred upon you, that you should faithfully exhibit your labour for the fulfilling of all things that shall be enjoined upon you by us, being about to render an account of your acts under the judgment of our God. This letter, moreover, we have dictated to be written by Paterius, secundicerius and notary of our Church, and have subscribed it each.
Gregory to Romanus, defensor. Let your Experience recognize that Vitus, the bearer of these presents, was formerly ours. And since we well know his fidelity and diligence, we have foreseen that he should serve in the school of the defensores, a letter being solemnly given to him. And therefore, if perchance you should wish to enjoin anything upon him for ecclesiastical utilities, have no doubt concerning him; but be altogether certain of his purity, and think not that he will do anything fraudulently or deceitfully. One thing there is: that you bestow upon him the charity which is owed to the faithful.