Complete Works of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, Volume 3

Since YOUR HOLINESS, speaking on the ninth of September last past to your Apostolic Senate, lamented in a certain way that Cardinals living outside the City could not be consulted by the Roman Pontiff in sudden cases that occur, why should I not hope that he might kindly hear my supplications, though I am currently in Rome—not indeed a consultation in this matter (for if I were to use that word, I would be vain)—but rather entreaties? That I pour these out more earnestly is caused not only by the rank of Cardinal which I hold, but also by the Prefecture of the Vatican Library (than which there is no house of the Muses more splendid in the whole world) and my whole life spent in cultivating letters according to my ability, and finally the care which I myself take, as far as my strength allows, in assisting the learned endeavors of men, in whose mind, of course, that Horatian sentiment has long resided:

May God, the Best and Greatest, keep YOUR HOLINESS long unharmed, and I kiss your sacred feet.