(Gregory was unable to keep the promise he made at the end of Letter 59 because his mother was seriously ill, so he writes to explain this and ask to be excused.)
(Gregory was not able, owing to the serious illness of his Mother, to carry out the promise at the end of Ep. LIX.; so he writes to explain and excuse himself.)
Carrying out your command depends partly on me, but partly—and I would say mainly—on your Reverence. My part is to have good will and eagerness, since I have never avoided meeting you but have always looked for opportunities, and right now I want to do so even more. Your Holiness's part is that my circumstances allow it. I am sitting with my lady Mother, who has been suffering from illness for a long time. If I could leave her out of danger, you can be sure I would not deprive myself of the pleasure of coming to you. So help me with your prayers for her recovery and for my journey to you.
The Carrying Out of your bidding depends partly on me; but partly, and I venture to think principally, on your Reverence. What depends on me is the good will and eagerness, for I never yet avoided meeting you, but have always sought opportunities, and at the present moment am even more desirous of doing so. What depends on your Holiness is that my affairs be set straight. For I am sitting by my lady Mother, who has for a long time been suffering from illness. And if I could leave her out of danger you might be well assured that I would not deprive myself of the pleasure of going to you. So give me the help of your prayers for her restoration to health, and for my journey to you.