Ep. XCIII.
(Written soon after Gregory’s resignation of the
Archbishopric.)
Our retreat and leisure and quiet have about them
something very agreeable to me; but the fact that they cut me off from
your friendship and society is not so advantageous but rather the other
way. Others enjoy your Perfection, to me it would be really a
great boon if I might have just that shadow of conversation which comes
in a letter. Shall I see you again? Shall I embrace again
him of whom I am so proud, and shall this be granted to the remnant of
my life? If so, all thanks to God: if not, the best part of
my life is over. Pray remember your friend Gregory and pray for
him.