Hormisdas to Justin the Emperor

Blessed be the Trinity, our God, who has entrusted you with the governance of the worldly empire, to whom reverence is due not only for the sake of the authority of your reign but also for the glorious modesty and integrity of your character. Indeed, we truly glorify God upon reading your letter of piety, in which you clearly explained the delay of the promised legation due to the illness of the person to be sent, showing more evidently the care you have for faith and honor. You reveal that it is not enough for those who govern to reach the height of power they hold, unless the ornaments of virtue make the principate more precious.

May our God maintain His favors upon you, most merciful Emperor, and, regarding your goodness, grant you eternal blessings. Yet, we were not touched by any suspicion or concern over the delay in fulfilling your promise, nor do we believe that there has been any change in your intention. For it would be wrong to doubt in any way the words of one whose faith has been so clearly recognized in great matters. Therefore, as our son, the distinguished Eulogius, tribune and notary, returns, we offer our due homage and continuous prayers to Almighty God that He, who has healed the wounds inflicted by the faithless through your diligence, may grant that the unity of the Church, restored by you, remains secure in every respect.

Given on the fourth day before the Kalends of November, in the consulship of the illustrious Rusticus (year of our Lord 520).