amending these wrongs. But even if this should not take place, ye at least have your crown
made ready for you by the merciful God, and the resistance offered by your love will be no
small consolation to those who are wronged: for now that we are passing the third year of
our sojourn in exile exposed to famine, pestilence, wars, continual sieges, indescribable
solitude, daily death, and Isaurian swords, we are not a little encouraged and comforted by
the constant and abiding nature of your disposition and confidence, and by revelling in
your abundant and genuine love. This is our wall of defence, this is our security, this our
calm haven, this our treasure of infinite blessings, this our gladness, and ground of much
joy. And even if we should be carried off again to some spot more desolate than this, we
shall carry this love away with us as no small consolation of our sufferings.
434
To Innocent, Bishop of Rome, Greeting in the Lord.