Letter 2.46 to Subdeacon Sabinus of Rome (August 592)
Gregory to Subdeacon Sabinus on a garden to be given to a convent
We are compelled by our duty of piety to make a decision for the monasteries, with prudent consideration, so that those who are known to have alloted themeselves to the service of God, may not endure any need. And for that reason we order your Experience with this authority to hand over quickly and without uncertainty the garden of the late presbyter Felicianus. It lies in the first region, before the steps of Saint Sabina. Leaving aside any excuse, give it to the convent of Euprepia, in which a community of nuns are known to live, for them to possess with a proprietary right, so that aided by the benefit of our generosity, they may persevere in serving God, with his support also, with secure minds.
(trans. Martyn 2004: 227, slightly altered by J. Szafranowski)