Epistle
V.
To Peter, Subdeacon.
Gregory to Peter, Subdeacon of Campania.
As we have no wish to disturb the privileges of laymen
in their judgments, so, when they judge wrongfully, we desire thee to
resist them with moderate authority. For to restrain violent
laymen is not to act against the laws, but to support law. Since
then Deusdedit, the son-in-law of Felix of Orticellum, is said to have
done violent wrong to the bearer of these presents, and still
unlawfully to detain her property, in such sort that the dejection of
her widowhood is found not to move his compassion, but to confirm his
malice, we charge thy Experience that against the aforesaid man, as
well as in other cases wherein the aforesaid woman asserts that she
suffers prejudice, thou afford her the succour of thy protection, and
not allow her to be oppressed by any one whatever, lest either thou be
found to neglect what without prejudice to equity is commanded thee, or
widows and other poor persons, finding no help where they are, be put
to expense by the length of the journey hither.