Chapter I. On what is meant by the things about the Pontiff

Most holy and loving Father, if I only knew for certain how the earlier parts of this work have been received by thee, according to that knowledge I should proceed in what remains with greater confidence or with more circumspection, or I should even break off altogether. But since the distance from here to Rome is so great as to render this impossible, do not be surprised to find me less bold and abundant as I approach the central point of my subject. Having therefore examined the first objects of consideration in the preceding books, I shall occupy myself in this with a discussion of the things which are about thee. As a matter of fact, these things also are beneath thee, yet they are closer to thee than the objects last treated of, and because of their greater vicinity may give thee greater trouble ; for inasmuch as they are placed before thine eyes, thou canst neither disregard them, nor forget them, nor pretend not to see them. They press upon thee more violently, they rush in upon thee more tumultuously, so as to make me apprehensive lest thou shouldst be sometimes overwhelmed. I have no doubt that thine own experience has taught thee sufficiently what need there is for the most careful and earnest consideration with regard to these things. For without intervals of prudent and seasonable reflection, thy engrossment in external occupations shall be uninterrupted, there shall be no limit to thy vexation, no end to thy solicitude ; thou shalt be left neither leisure for prayer nor peace of heart ; and although thou shalt labour much, the fruit of thy labour shall be but small. I am speaking now of that " daily instance " (2 Cor. xi. 28) which thou sufferest from the city, from the court, and from thine own particular church. These, I say, are what I mean by the things about thee : the clergy and people of whom thou art bishop in a more especial manner, and with the care of whom, consequently, thou art more especially charged ; also those who are constantly at thy side, the seniors of the people and the judges of the earth ; likewise they that are of thy household and sit at thy table, thy chaplains, chamberlains, and the other officers who serve thee in thy palace. All of these approach thee more familiarly, knock more frequently at thy door, and more importunately claim thy attention. These are they who do not fear to awaken the beloved before it is her pleasure (Canticle ii. 7).