Leaf from a copy of Gregory the Great, Cura Pastoralis , in Latin, decorated manuscript on parchment [France (probably the north), mid-twelfth century] Single leaf, double column, 30 lines in a strong professional early gothic bookhand with angular capital I s sitting atop sickle-like tail, similar abbreviations for per , rubrics and nota marks in red, one initial on each side in pale blue with sprays of acanthus leaf foliage touched in green and red, roughly cut down innermost edge, small spots and smudges, else good condition with wide and clean margins, 307 by 205 mm.; in card mount Despite the importance of this work on the duties of the clergy by Gregory the Great (c. 540-604) and the vast number of manuscripts which must have been produced throughout the Middle Ages, it is uncommon on the market, and perhaps like the Benedictine Rule the majority of medieval copies were used to pieces . It was written in 590, immediately after Gregory became pope, and is perhaps the most influential work on the topic ever written. The Byzantine emperor Maurice ordered its translation and dissemination throughout the Eastern Empire, Charlemagne commended the text to the Carolingian clergy in 813, and King Alfred the Great is credited with its translation into English, noting that St. Augustine himself had brought the book to England in 597. This is from a handsome early medieval witness to the text, and contains parts of chapters V-VII, on the need for those in power to lead with virtuous example and humility, and the need for good preachers.