Complete Works of Cassiodorus, Vol. I

Var. lib. 1. epist. 4.

In Cassiodorus, you recognize the image of yourself; indeed, even when you disguise it, everyone recognizes it. There is, however, one thing, to pass over others, in which you have surpassed Cassiodorus. His lineage, as Theodoric testifies, was illustrious in both worlds likely meaning East and West or civil and ecclesiastical spheres; and, fittingly adapted to the twin Senate, it radiated with the clarity of the purest virtues, like one possessed of two eyes. But Cassiodorus himself lacked the glory of offspring, who might transmit the parent’s inherited prudence and other virtues along with his blood to posterity. You, however, MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN, provide a twin offspring to the twin Senate in both worlds, one for the sacred, the other for the political. These are the twin eyes, one of which contemplates divine things and governs sacred matters: the other looks around and directs human affairs. These are they to whom the inheritance of your glory and virtues awaits, not late, but already anticipated, not snatched from the Parent, but amplified.

Var. lib. 3. epist. 28.

But conversely, there is one thing in which you consider yourself—such is your piety—happier and superior to Cassiodorus, MOST PREEMINENT MAN: that he finally obtained his retirement from public cares in his Vivarium monastery/estate founded by Cassiodorus: which you yourself were feigning at your Cavilleo country estate. But when God calls you elsewhere, follow now, and live for the Kingdom, live for your own, live for all. Thus far, like him, you have adorned the palaces with the integrity of your conscience: now illuminate and purify the tribunals of justice with the light of your equity. As for the rest, continue to love and cherish our Order, I mean our Congregation of St. Maur, as you are wont to do, and as we have so often proven. That very Cassiodorus, who is for you the author and example of this deed, the same one, restored to completeness by me under your auspices, MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, will be a perpetual monument of our grateful spirit toward you. Thus I vow in my name, and in the name of all of us.

Rouen, from the Monastery of St. Ouen, Kalends of January, 1679.

Your most addicted and most obedient
servant, FR. JOANNES GARETIUS,
Monk of the Congregation of St. Maur.