To my most beloved and dearest brother Maximinus, Bishop of the Church of Padua, Symmachus, bishop, greetings in the Lord.

The vow of a religious conscience shines forth, a mind devoted to the praise of bishops. It is a testament of character to dedicate our words to those who serve God, though a limited discourse may reveal inexperience, yet silence would betray immaturity. Who would deem a narrative poor when vows enrich it? Often, the vein of the preacher is found wanting in eloquence, yet the heart’s treasury radiates through meager words. He who judges in God’s place desires not ornate speech but the unadorned brilliance of character, for eloquence without love flatters, while naked truth commends its own splendor. All that affection dictates is without adornment; words crafted to perfection seek not the appearance of righteousness but its likeness. My address is to you, most venerable bishop, whose virtue began with the testimony of merits, your actions proclaiming the name you bear. Your parents’ prudent care chose you before you were proven. Once bound to secular titles, military toil refined you, and adversity strengthened you for the Church’s governance, as the Lord says in the Gospel: He who is faithful in a little is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10).

You, worthy of sacred altars, chose what is holy even in lay life. You were found a guardian of chastity in an age when law yields to desires. It is enough to shun the license that supports youthful excess. Christ seeks His soldiers, whom He raises as leaders, amid hostile ranks. Called to the Church, you fulfilled the bishop’s role in deeds before the time of dignity. Your kindness was no stranger, rooted in nature, sprouting from hoary blossoms. What is feigned is temporal; what matures with age is eternal. We believe your priesthood was not a gift but a reward. Others are commended by common favor; your strict judgment of the guilty earned affection. Singular wisdom, though generally desirable, is necessary in a teacher. One who cannot bear the weight of office is in vain a monitor. He who excels not in knowledge and sanctity is compared to the least, though honored above. Judgment, not favor, gave you this summit. Love worthy of a bishop is won by discipline. A teacher who seeks only to please by favor lacks genius. Formed by heaven’s gifts, you will instruct the people more by deeds than words. Teachings proven by example shape disciples’ consciences. He who pursues innocence without shame invites it. Those planning sin fear you as a witness in sacred precincts. Your reverence prevents nascent faults from taking effect. By confronting vices at their start, you remove the occasion for lapses and purge the author of desire.

I have briefly dedicated these words to your beatitude’s commendation. If your prayers bring success to my life, I will consecrate a full account of your deeds, so that what is known to all may be preserved in lasting letters for future ages to rejoice in.

Note: This letter is designated as the fifth in Migne’s *Patrologia Latina* (PL 62) but was formerly the fourth in earlier manuscript traditions.