To his most beloved brother, Bishop Marinianus, Gregory, bishop and servant of the servants of God. The homilies which, upon the blessed prophet Ezechiel, were taken down just as I spoke them before the people, I had left in neglect, many cares rushing in upon me. But after eight years, at the request of the brethren, I took pains to seek out the notaries' papers, and, running through them with the Lord's favour, I amended them in so far as amid the straits of tribulations I was able. Your affection therefore had begged that these be sent to you to read; but I judged it very unfitting that he should draw despicable water who, it is well known, constantly drinks the deep and clear streams from the torrents of the blessed Fathers Ambrose and Augustine.
But again, when I consider that often, amid daily delicacies, even the coarser foods have a pleasant savour, I have sent to you, as reader, the lesser matters before the better, so that while the coarser food is taken as if to relieve satiety, one may return the more eagerly to the finer fare.