Cassiodorus: VARIARUM LIBRI XII

[1] Cum piceis timbribus et pueros gentili candore relucentes, spathas nobis etiam arma desecantes vestra fraternitas destinavit, ferro magis quam auri pretio ditiores. splendet illic claritas expolita ut intuentium facies fideli puritate restituant, quarum margines in acutum tali aequalitate descendunt, ut non limis compositae, sed igneis fornacibus credantur effusae. harum media pulchris alveis excavata quibusdam videntur crispari posse vermiculis: ubi tanta varietatis umbra conludit, ut intextum magis credas variis coloribus lucidum metallum.

[1] With pitch-dark shields and boys gleaming with native candor, your fraternity has also sent us spathae cutting down even arms, richer in the worth of iron than in the price of gold. There shines therein a polished brilliance such that they restore the faces of onlookers with faithful purity; whose edges descend to a sharpness with such equality that they seem not composed by files, but to have been poured out in fiery furnaces. The middles of these, hollowed with fair channels, seem able to be crisped with certain vermicles; where so great a play of variety’s shadow conspires that you would rather believe the shining metal to be woven with various colors.

[2] Hoc vestra cotis diligenter emundat, hoc vester splendidissimus pulvis ita industriose detergit, ut speculum quoddam virorum faciat ferream lucem, qui ideo patriae vestrae natura largiente concessus est, ut huius rei opinionem vobis faceret singularem: enses, qui pulchritudine sui putentur esse Vulcani, qui tanta elegantia fabrilia visus est excolere, ut quod eius manibus formabatur, non opus mortalium, sed crederetur esse divinum.

[2] This your whetstone diligently cleanses; this your most splendid powder so industriously deterges that it makes the ferrean gleam a kind of mirror of men, which therefore, nature of your fatherland being bountiful, has been granted so as to render for you a singular reputation in this matter: swords which, by their own beauty, are thought to be Vulcan’s, who seemed to cultivate the fabrile art with such elegance that what was being shaped by his hands was believed not a work of mortals, but to be divine.

[3] Proinde per illum et illum legatos vestros solventes debitae salutationis affectum arma vestra libenter nos accepisse declaramus, quae bonae pacis studia transmiserunt: vicissitudinem muneris pro expensarum vestrarum consideratione tribuentes, quae tantum vobis reddantur accepta, quantum nobis vestra fuere gratissima. praestent divina concordiam, ut haec inter nos grata mente facientes gentium nostrarum velle iungamus et invicem solliciti mutuis possimus utilitatibus obligari.

[3] Accordingly, through So-and-so and So-and-so, your legates, discharging the sentiment of the due salutation, we declare that we have gladly accepted your arms, which have transmitted the pursuits of good peace: granting a reciprocation of a gift in consideration of your expenditures, such as may be rendered acceptable to you as much as yours were most gratifying to us. May the divine grant concord, so that, doing these things between us with a grateful mind, we may join the will of our peoples and, solicitous for one another, may be able to be bound by mutual utilities.

II. HESTIS THEODERICUS REX.

2. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE HESTII.

[1] Illo et illo legatis vestris venientibus grande vos studium notitiae nostrae habuisse cognovimus, ut in Oceani litoribus constituti cum nostra mente iungamini: suavis nobis admodum et grata petitio, ut ad vos perveniret fama nostra, ad quos nulla potuimus destinare mandata. amate iam cognitum, quem requisistis ambienter ignotum. nam inter tot gentes viam praesumere non est aliquid facile concupisse.

[1] With so-and-so, your envoys, coming, we have learned that you have had a great zeal for our acquaintance, so that, situated on the shores of the Ocean, you might be joined with our mind: a request very sweet to us and welcome, that our fame should come to you, to whom we have been able to dispatch no mandates. Love now the one known, whom you eagerly sought unknown. For among so many nations to presume a way is not something easy to have desired.

[2] Et ideo salutatione vos affectuosa requirentes indicamus sucina, quae a vobis per harum portitores directa sunt, grato animo fuisse suscepta. quae ad vos Oceani unda descendens hanc levissimam substantiam, sicut et vestrorum relatio continebat, exportat: sed unde veniat, incognitum vos habere dixerunt, quam ante omnes homines patria vestra offerente suscipitis. haec quodam Cornelio describente legitur in interioribus insulis Oceani ex arboris suco defluens, unde et sucinum dicitur, paulatim solis ardore coalescere.

[2] And therefore, greeting you with an affectionate salutation, we make known that the ambers which were sent by you through the bearers of these letters were received with a grateful mind. The wave of the Ocean, descending to you, carries out this most light substance (as your own report also contained); but whence it comes, they said you hold as unknown, though you receive it before all other men, your country offering it. This, as a certain Cornelius describes, is read to coalesce little by little by the heat of the sun in the inner islands of the Ocean, flowing down from the sap of a tree, whence it is also called succinum.

[3] Fit enim sudatile metallum, teneritudo perspicua, modo croceo colore rubens, modo flammea claritate pinguescens, ut, cum in maris fuerit delapsa confinio, aestu alternante purata vestris litoribus tradatur exposita. quod ideo iudicavimus indicandum, ne omnino putetis notitiam nostram fugere, quod occultum creditis vos habere. proinde requirite nos saepius per vias, quas amor vester aperuit, quia semper prodest divitum regum adquisita concordia, qui, dum parvo munere leniuntur, maiore semper compensatione prospiciunt.

[3] For it becomes a sweat-like metal, with a transparent tenderness, now reddening with saffron color, now growing rich with a fiery brilliance, so that, when it has slipped into the boundary of the sea, purified by the alternating tide, it is delivered, exposed, to your shores. Which we have therefore judged should be indicated, lest you altogether think our knowledge to evade that which you believe you hold occult. Accordingly, seek us more often by the ways which your love has opened, since the acquired concord of wealthy kings is always of profit, who, while they are mollified by a small gift, always look ahead to a greater compensation.

aliqua vobis etiam per legatos vestros verbo mandavimus, per quos, quae grata esse debeant, nos destinasse declaramus.

We have also verbally entrusted certain matters to you through your legates, through whom we declare that we have dispatched things which ought to be pleasing.

III. HONORATO V. I. QUAESTORI THEODERICUS REX.

3. THEODERIC THE KING TO HONORATUS, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, QUAESTOR.

[1] Usu quidem provenit bene meritos dona nostra suscipere: sed tu iure hereditatis principis tibi beneficia vindicasti. honorem fratris adipisceris, quia sapientia quoque germanus es. ab eisdem bonis non repellimus quem similem comprobamus. eant nunc parentes ac liberi et bonarum artium studia incitamento similitudinis aemulentur.

[1] By usage indeed it comes about that the well-deserving receive our gifts; but you have claimed the benefactions for yourself by the prince’s right of inheritance. You attain your brother’s honor, since in wisdom too you are his brother. From these same goods we do not repel one whom we have approved as similar. Let parents and children now go forth, and let them emulate the studies of the good arts, by the incitement of likeness.

novam in te fecimus legem parentes in amministratione succedere. hic provectus non adimitur et mutatur: quia licet persona subrogata sit, familiae tamen non deficit quod gratissimus germanus adquirit.

we have made a new law in your case: that parents succeed in the administration. this promotion is not taken away but is changed: for although a person has been subrogated, nevertheless the family does not lack what the most dear german brother acquires.

[2] O vere vestris meritis electi at auspicio nominis honorati! praesentiunt quaedam parentes positis in prole vocabulis et ut venturarum rerum cursus ex alto est imperio divinitatis, cogitatio praesagantis instruitur: loqui datur, quod nos sensisse nescimus, sed post casum reminiscimur quod ignorantes veraciter dixeramus.

[2] O truly chosen by your merits and honored by the auspice of the name! Some parents presage by the names placed upon their progeny, and, since the course of things-to-come is from the high imperium of divinity, the thought of the presager is instructed: it is granted to speak what we do not know that we have sensed, but after the event we remember that, while ignorant, we had spoken truly.

[3] Tali igitur omine Decoratus evaluit: evaluit, inquam, ac se honoribus palatinis iudicio nostro laudatus immiscuit, dignitatem sumens quam solemus dare prudentibus, hoc plane supra ceteros adipiscens, quod potuit emergere post electos. sub genii nostri luce intrepidus quidem, sed reverenter astabat, opportune tacitus, necessarie copiosus, curarum nostrarum eximium levamen, et cum potestatis nostrae gratia ditaretur, morum magis laude contentus mediocribus se potius exaequabat. vivit apud nos recordatio bonorum, quia fides hominis nescit cum morte deficere.

[3] Therefore by such an omen Decoratus flourished: he flourished, I say, and, praised by our judgment, he joined himself to palatine honors, taking up the dignity which we are wont to grant to the prudent, plainly attaining this above the rest: that he was able to rise after the chosen. Under the light of our genius he stood fearless indeed, yet reverently, opportunely silent, necessarily copious, an exceptional alleviation of our cares; and even as he was enriched by the favor of our power, being more content with the praise of morals, he made himself equal rather to the average. The recollection of good services lives with us, because a man’s fidelity does not know how to fail with death.

secreta nostra, quasi oblivisceretur, occuluit: iussa, quasi scriberet per ordinem, retinuit, sine avaritia serviens et gratiam nostram summa cupiditate perquirens.

he concealed our secrets, as if he were forgetting them: he retained the orders, as if he were writing them down in order, serving without avarice and with the utmost cupidity in seeking our favor.

[4] Divertimus quidem ad bene meriti laudes, sed compendio sermonis assumpti, cum illum referimus, te docemus. fuit nimirum gratus, quod apud nos et post fata esse non desinit: tristes quaerimus quem nos amisisse dolemus. sed acerbum casum mitigat, quod ei vicaria virtute succedis, quia nemo perdidisse se sentit quod in alterum invenisse cognoscit.

[4] We indeed divert to the lauds of one well-deserving, but in a compendium of the discourse assumed; when we relate him, we instruct you. He was assuredly pleasing, for among us he does not cease to be even after death: sad, we seek him whom we grieve that we have lost. But the bitter mishap is mitigated by this, that you succeed to him by vicarious virtue, since no one feels he has lost what he recognizes he has found in another.

non extranea secteris exempla, cui domestica suppetunt tam magna praeconia. tu Decoratus ex illo es, ille Honoratus ex te est. adunent se merita, quando se iunxere sic nomina.

do not pursue foreign examples, you for whom so great domestic praises are at hand. you are Decoratus from him; he is Honoratus from you. let the merits be united, since the names have thus been joined.

[5] Nam de te iustius credimus meliora, qui sequeris, quia semper est diligentior imitator prioris, quando te praecedentis bona licet eligere et nova cumulare. atque ideo ab indictione tertia quaesturae te dignitate subvehimus facimusque nostri consilii claritate vivere Honoratum, ut esse nunc incipias, quod ante vocabaris. age nunc inhaerendo iustitiae, ut, qui inexperto honorem dedimus, meliora tibi probatissimo conferamus.

[5] For we more justly believe better things of you, who succeed, because the imitator of the prior is always more diligent, since it is permitted you to choose the goods of your predecessor and to cumulate new ones. And therefore, from the third indiction, we uplift you to the dignity of the quaestorship and make you Honoratus to live by the brilliance of our council, so that you may now begin to be what before you were called. Come now, by cleaving to justice, that we, who have given honor to one untried, may confer better things upon you when most approved.

IIII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE THEODERICUS REX.

4. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Certum est, patres conscripti, prudentibus viris vestrum florere consilium: sed et hoc probatur egregium, quod vobis permiscetur dignitas litterarum. omnes enim, quos ad quaesturae culmen evehimus, doctissimos aestimamus, quales legum interpretes et consilii nostri decet esse participes: dignitas, quae nec divitiis nec solis natalibus invenitur, sed tantum eam doctrina cum coniuncta potest impetrare prudentia. nam licet in aliis honoribus beneficia conferamus, hinc semper accipimus.

[1] It is certain, Conscript Fathers, that your counsel flourishes with prudent men: but this too is proved outstanding, that the dignity of letters is intermingled with you. For all whom we raise to the summit of the quaestorship we esteem most learned, such as it befits to be interpreters of laws and participants in our council: a dignity which is found neither in riches nor in birth alone, but only prudence joined with learning can obtain it. For although in other honors we confer benefits, from this source we always receive.

est nimirum curarum nostrarum felix portio: ianuam nostrae cogitationis ingreditur: pectus, quo generales curae volvuntur, agnoscit.

it is, indeed, a happy portion of our cares: it enters the door of our cogitation: it recognizes the breast, wherein the general cares are revolved.

[2] Aestimate, quid de illi debeat iudicari, qui tanti particeps fit secreti. ab ipso legum peritia postulatur: illuc vota confluunt supplicantum et, quod est omni thesauro pretiosius, penes ipsum civilitatis nostrae fama reponitur. quaestore iusto innocentium conscientia fit secura, improborum tantum vota redduntur anxia, et cum malis subripiendi spes tollitur, studium bonis moribus adhibetur.

[2] Estimate what ought to be judged concerning him who becomes a participant in so great a secret. From him the expertise of the laws is demanded: thither the vows of suppliants flow together, and—what is more precious than any treasure—the reputation of our civilization is deposited in his keeping. With a just quaestor the conscience of the innocent is made secure, only the vows of the wicked are rendered anxious; and when the hope of filching is taken away from the bad, zeal is applied to good morals.

[3] Unicuique propria iura custodit, pecuniae continens, aequitatis profusus, nescius decipere, promptissimus subvenire. ingenio principis servit, quod universa superat: illius ore loqui cogitur, cui nullus similis invenitur. hunc locum vitiis vacuum, virtutibus plenum qui sub nostra potuit expedire praesentia, nonne vobis dignus est esse collega?

[3] He keeps for each person his proper rights, continent of money, prodigal of equity, unknowing how to deceive, most prompt to bring help. He serves the genius of the prince, which surpasses all things: he is compelled to speak with the mouth of that one, to whom no similar is found. He who, in our presence, has been able to dispatch this place—empty of vices, full of virtues— is he not worthy to be a colleague for you?

scitis enim qua glorietur stirpe provectus.

for you know by what stock, advanced, he glories.

[4] Meministis igitur Decoratum advocationis laboribus insudantem, qua se unicuique bonorum probitate coniunxerit. causis vestris fidelis orator affuit: necessariis rebus insistens iudicantis portavit animum ad subsellia cognitorum: cui merito frequens palma contigit, quia sapienter alleganda tractavit. pudoris enim sustinere iacturam nesciunt, qui se prius iudice corriguntur.

[4] You remember, then, Decoratus sweating with the labors of advocacy, how by his probity he joined himself to each of the good. In your cases a faithful orator was present: insisting on necessary matters, he carried the mind of the judge to the benches of the advocates: to whom a frequent palm befell deservedly, because he handled the allegations wisely. For they do not know how to sustain a loss of modesty, who correct themselves before the judge.

inferior gradu praestabat viris consularibus se patronum et cum honoribus vestris impar haberetur, patricius ei dictus est in celeberrima cognitione susceptus.

lower in degree, he displayed himself a patron to consular men; and though he was held unequal to your honors, he was addressed as “Patricius,” being received in a most celebrated hearing.

[5] Nimis rarum est, patres conscripti, solidum loqui et, cui multa necesse est dicere, titubantia non proferre. hoc in Decorato certissimum fuit, hoc et ante nostra iudicia vos probastis. quis enim tempore suo eum quasi gubernatorem litium ignorare potuit, qui causarum scopulos transire contendit?

[5] It is all too rare, Conscript Fathers, to speak something solid, and, for one to whom it is necessary to say many things, not to bring forth faltering words. This was most certain in Decoratus; this too you proved before our judgments. For who, in his time, could have failed to know him as, so to speak, the helmsman of litigation, who strove to pass over the reefs of causes?

legibus profecto minus indiguit, qui eius solacia non quaesivit. iam non de morte festinata conquerimur: ex huius fecunda pullulavit stirpe germanus. nam qui prius fratris umbra tegebatur, illo naturae lege subducto famae suae comas per aperta distendit.

He surely had less need of the laws, who did not seek their consolations. Now we do not complain of a hastened death: from this man’s fecund stock a brother has sprung forth. For he who previously was covered by his brother’s shadow, that one removed by the law of nature, stretches out the locks of his own fame in the open.

[6] Bona siquidem germinis iuste praecox intulit, qui nascendi ordine primus evaluit: sed fetura nobilis fructum, quem in decessore perdidit, in successore servavit. concordat huic familiae ramus ille ditissimus qui Vergiliano carmine semper enascitur: hoc enim avulso non deficit alter aureus et simili frondescit virga metallo. nutrivit quippe et hic advocatione facundiam: opinionem Romanae urbis cedens fratri Spoletinorum se maluit miscere negotiis: res tantum dura, quantum a vestra prudentia cognoscitur segregata.

[6] Indeed, the precocious one justly brought in the goods of the germen, he who by the order of birth first grew strong; but the noble brood preserved in the successor the fruit which it lost in the predecessor. That most rich branch accords with this family, which in the Vergilian song ever sprouts anew: for when this one is plucked away, another golden one does not fail, and a rod leafs out with similar metal. For indeed this one too nourished eloquence (facundity) by advocation: yielding the repute of the Roman city to his brother, he preferred to mingle himself with the affairs of the Spoletans: a matter only so hard as it is recognized when segregated from your prudence.

inter bene moratos enim asseruisse iusta facillimum fuit: provincialibus autem se vaga libertate tractantibus nimis arduum.

for among the well-mannered it was very easy to have asserted what is just; but for provincials who conduct themselves with wandering liberty, it was too arduous.

[7] Videtur iuris suasisse modestiam, ubi ipsi quoque iudices improba plerumque cupiditate rapiuntur et quantum sibi inter mediocritatem videntur esse praecipui, tantum non sinunt suis voluntatibus obviari. inter talia leges vindicare difficile est et magnae persuasionis vis ad propositum recti venalitatem revocare iudicantis. sumite ergo, patres conscripti, libenter nostra iudicia et Honoratum quaesturae culmine provectum gremium vestrum gratanter excipiat.

[7] It seems to have counseled the modesty of law, where even the judges themselves are for the most part swept away by wicked cupidity, and just as much as they seem to themselves to be preeminent above mediocrity, so much they do not allow their own wills to be withstood. Amid such things it is difficult to vindicate the laws, and the force of great persuasion is needed to call back to the aim of rectitude the venality of the judge. Take therefore, Conscript Fathers, our judgments gladly, and let your bosom gratefully receive Honoratus, advanced to the summit of the quaestorship.

dignus est enim a vobis diligi qui par tantis honoribus meruit reperiri.

for he is worthy to be loved by you, who has merited to be found equal to such honors.

V. MANNILAE SAIONI THEODERICUS REX.

5. THEODERIC THE KING TO MANNILA, SAIO.

[1] Laudabile est in illa parte geminare custodiam, quam constat rei publicae necessitatibus exquisitam. per hanc enim et legationum utilitas et ordinationum nostrarum celeritas explicatur: hoc etiam aulicis potestatibus per varias iussiones ministrat effectum: hoc crebris illationibus nostrum ditat aerarium, ut paene quicquid in re publica geritur, cursuali ministerio compleatur. decet proinde semper esse paratum, quod utilitatibus publicis probatur accommodum, ne, quod ad celeritatem repertum est, incongruam potius festinantibus inferat tarditatem.

[1] It is laudable in that part to double the guard, which is agreed to have been carefully devised for the necessities of the commonwealth. through this, indeed, both the utility of embassies and the celerity of our ordinances is unfolded: this also supplies effect to the aulic powers through various injunctions: this, by frequent remittances, enriches our treasury, so that almost whatever is transacted in the commonwealth is completed by the courier service. it is fitting, therefore, that what is approved as suitable to public utilities be always prepared, lest that which has been discovered for celerity should rather bring incongruous slowness upon those who are hastening.

[2] Atque ideo praefecti praetorio et magistri officiorum ubi pro publica utilitate delegerint ordinatione locatos, excedentium improbam praesumptionem tali te praecipimus districtione resecare, ut, sive Gothus sit aut Romanus qui sine nostra vel eorum quorum interest evectione veredum praesumit attingere, per unum equum centum statim solidos a te cogatur exsolvere. et de illis quoque pari severitate censemus, qui supra evectionum numerum cursuales equos usurpare praesumunt.

[2] And therefore, wherever the Praetorian Prefects and the Masters of the Offices, for public utility, shall have selected those stationed by appointment, we command you to cut back, with such strict constraint, the wicked presumption of those who overstep, so that, whether it be a Goth or a Roman who, without our evectio or that of those whom it concerns, presumes to touch a post-horse (veredus), he be compelled by you to pay at once one hundred solidi for each horse. And we also decree with equal severity concerning those who presume to usurp courier horses (cursuales equi) beyond the number of their travel-warrants (evectiones).

[3] Parhippis quin etiam non ultra quam centum libras iubemus imponi. nimis enim absurdum est, ut a quo celeritas exigitur magnis ponderibus opprimatur. avis ipsa onere gravata pigrescit.

[3] We likewise order that not more than 100 pounds be placed upon the parhippi. For it is exceedingly absurd that he from whom celerity is demanded be oppressed by great weights. Even the bird itself, weighed down by a burden, grows sluggish.

carinae quae laborem non sentiunt repletae gravius moventur. quid quadrupes facere possit, qui pressus nimietate succumbit? si quis autem a modulo definito amplius fuerit habere repertus, duarum unciarum auri damno feriatur.

hulls which do not feel labor, when replete, move more heavily. what can a quadruped accomplish, who, pressed by nimiety, succumbs? but if anyone is found to have more than the defined measure, let him be struck with the penalty of two ounces of gold.

[4] Quam summam protinus exactam, sicut iam anterioribus edictis constitutum est, per officium magisteriae dignitatis cursui proficere debere censemus. iustum est enim ut cogatur illa vendere, unde publicum equum male noscitur onerasse: sit nuditatibus expeditus qui voluntate noluit esse celerrimus. praeterea commonemus, ut praepositorum commoda non praesumas nec quicquid eos potestatis habere reverenda sanxit antiquitas, aliqua usurpatione degenies.

[4] Which sum, once exacted forthwith, as has already been established by earlier edicts, we judge ought to profit the cursus through the office of the magisterial dignity. For it is just that that party be compelled to sell that by which he is known to have improperly burdened the public horse: let him be unencumbered even to nakedness who by his own will did not wish to be most swift. Furthermore, we admonish that you not presume upon the perquisites of the praepositi, nor, by any usurpation degenerating, diminish whatever power venerable antiquity has sanctioned them to have.

nos enim per te geminare volumus custodiam, non antiquae consuetudinis removere cautelam.

for through you we wish to double the guard, not to remove the safeguard of ancient custom.

VI. STABULARIO COMITIACO THEODERICUS REX.

6. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE COMITIAC STABULARY.

[1] Suscipienda precatio est quae publicis utilitatibus non repugnat et amplectenda desideria privatorum, quae sic remedium quaerunt, ut nobis non videantur generare dispendium. viri itaque clarissimi Iohannis querela comperimus Thomatem domus nostrae certa praedia suscepisse, id est illud atque illud, et nunc decem milia solidorum reliquatorem nostris utilitatibus extitisse et per diversas ludificationes non implere debitam quantitatem, quod apud nos quoque procerum nostrorum suggestione perclaruit.

[1] A petition is to be taken up which does not run counter to public interests, and the desires of private persons are to be embraced, when they seek a remedy in such a way that they do not seem to generate loss for us. Thus, from the complaint of the most illustrious man John, we have learned that Thomas of our household has taken on certain estates, namely this one and that one, and that now he stands in arrears to our interests in the amount of ten thousand solidi, and through various chicaneries does not fulfill the due quantity—something which has also become very clear to us by the suggestion of our nobles.

[2] Ideoque causam tali credidimus remedio muniendam, ut universam substantiam supradicti Thomatis sub hac condicione fixis titulis publico debeas applicare, quatenus, si intra kal. Septembrium diem quod rationabiliter exponitur a Thomate minime fuerit exsolutum, praedicta substantia Iohanni viro clarissimo contradatur, qui eius debitum lucre nostro promisit aerario. quod si obligationem suam praedictus Thomas solvere intra praefinitum tempus fortasse potuerit, universa ei quae sublata sunt illibata reddantur, ita ut nec fiscus noster sustinere videatur incommoda et nos cognoscamur subiectis solitam praestitisse iustitiam.

[2] And therefore we believed the case should be fortified by such a remedy, that you ought to apply the entire estate of the aforesaid Thomas to the public, with the titles fixed, under this condition: that, if by the 1st of September the sum which is reasonably set forth to be paid by Thomas shall in no way have been discharged, the aforesaid estate be handed over to John, a most illustrious man, who has promised to redeem his debt to our treasury. But if the aforesaid Thomas should perchance be able to pay his obligation within the pre-defined time, let all things which have been taken away be returned to him inviolate, so that neither our fiscus seem to sustain inconveniences, and we be known to have furnished to subjects the customary justice.

possemus enim adhuc ultra differre, si quid prodesset neglegentissimum sustinere, quem per tam longum temporis spatium semper invenimus imparatum.

for we could still defer further, if it were of any profit to sustain the most negligent man, whom throughout so long a span of time we have always found unprepared.

VII. IOHANNI V. C. ARCARIO THEODERICUS REX.

7. THEODERIC THE KING TO JOHN, A MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN, TREASURER.

[1] Decet eorum vota in ratum reddere, qui malunt utilitates publicas continere: nec patimur de damno proprio esse sollicitos, qui nos a dispendiis fecere securos. tua igitur suggestione comperimus per illam indictionem patrimonii nostri praedia in Apulia provincia constituta, id est illud atque illud, honesto viro Thomati libellario titulo commisisse, sed eum male amministrando suscepta usque ad decem milia solidorum de indictionibus illa atque illa reliquatorem publicis rationibus extitisse: qui a proceribus nostris frequenter ammonitus debita reddere detestabili calliditate neglexit. et ne tibi aliqua in posterum quaestio nasceretur, publicis utilitatibus debitam quantitatem sub hac ratione satisfacere te velle testaris, si tibi praedia supradicti debitoris loco pignoris contradantur.

[1] It befits us to render into the ratified what they desire, who prefer to maintain the public utilities; nor do we allow those to be anxious about their own loss, who have made us secure from expenditures. Therefore, at your suggestion we have learned that, through that indiction of our patrimony, the estates situated in the province of Apulia, that is, that one and that one, you entrusted to the honorable man Thomatus under a libellary title; but that, by mismanaging what he had undertaken, he has become, from those indictions, a defaulter in the public accounts to the amount of up to 10,000 solidi: and, though frequently admonished by our magnates to render the debts, he has neglected to do so with detestable cunning. And lest any question should arise for you in the future, you attest that you wish to satisfy, for the public utilities, the amount due under this condition: if the estates of the aforesaid debtor be handed over to you in the place of a pledge.

[2] Hinc est, quod desiderium tuum iusta ratione conceptum praesenti iussione firmamus: primum, ut nullam ex hac re nomine publico metuas quaestionem: deinde sub hac condicione tibi universam substantiam, quam vel nunc tenet vel primo tempore possidebat, cum nostris rationibus obnoxius esse iam coeperat, Thomatis debitoris addicimus, quam pridem nostro nomine fixis titulis fecimus vindicari:

[2] Hence it is that we confirm your desire, conceived on a just reason, by the present injunction: first, that you should fear no inquiry in the public name from this matter: then, under this condition, we adjudge to you the entire substance of Thomas the debtor, which either he now holds or at the first moment he possessed, when he had already begun to be subject to our accounts, which we long since caused to be vindicated in our name with titles affixed:

[3] hoc tantum humanitatis intuitu relaxantes, ut usque ad kal. Sept. spatium habeat reddendi debitam quantitatem: minus ne cum ad supradictum diem tu pecuniam viro illustri comiti patrimonii nostri, quae debetur, intuleris facultas eius universa, sicut diximus, tuis compendiis applicetur.

[3] relaxing only this by a consideration of humanity, that he have a space up to 1 September for rendering the owed quantity: otherwise, if by the aforesaid day you shall not have brought to the illustrious man, the Count of our Patrimony, the money that is owed, his entire faculty, as we have said, shall be applied to your profit.

quod triste non credimus esse perdenti, quando nec ex toto videtur amittere, quod te generum suum cognoscit adquirere: nam quod poteras adipisci iure successionis, condicione a te possidetur emptoris.

which we do not believe to be grievous to the loser, since he does not seem to lose it in its entirety, as he recognizes that you, his son‑in‑law, acquire it: for what you could acquire by the right of succession is possessed by you under the condition of a purchaser.

VIII. ANASTASIO CONSULARI THEODERICUS REX.

8. THEODERIC THE KING TO ANASTASIUS, A CONSULAR.

[1] Convenit sublimitatem tuam nostris iussionibus oboedientiae tribuere sedulam firmitatem, quatenus ad effectum trahatur quod salubri ordinatione disponitur. moderate siquidem novit iniuncta sibi complere prudentia et sine ingratitudinis naevo delegata explicabili procurare consilio.

[1] It befits Your Sublimity to grant to our commands a diligent firmness of obedience, so that what is disposed by a salubrious ordination may be drawn to effect. For prudence, with moderation, knows how to complete what has been enjoined upon it, and, without the blemish of ingratitude, to manage the things delegated with an explicable counsel.

[2] Atque ideo ad Faventinam civitatem civilem exsecutionem te praecipimus destinare, ut sine cuiusquam concussione vel damno quadrati ad Ravennatem urbem ex nostra iussione devehantur, quatenus et nostro desiderio gratulemur impleto et querulis vociferandi amputetur occasio.

[2] And therefore to the city of Faventia we command you to direct yourself for the civil execution, so that, without anyone’s extortion or harm, the squared blocks be conveyed to the city of Ravenna by our order, in order that we may both rejoice with our desire fulfilled and the occasion for querulous vociferating be cut off.

VIIII. POSSESSORIBUS FELTRINIS THEODERICUS REX.

9. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE FELTRINE POSSESSORS.

[1] Necessitas publica multorum debet devotione compleri, quia non decet paucos suscipere quod constat plurimis expedire, ne regia iussa tepefacta lentescant, dum res utilis delegatur infirmis. in Tridentina igitur regione civitatem construi nostra praecepit auctoritas.

[1] Public necessity ought to be completed by the devotion of many, because it is not fitting that a few undertake what it is evident is expedient for very many, lest royal commands, having been made tepid, grow sluggish, while a useful matter is delegated to the weak. in the Tridentine region, therefore, our authority has ordered a city to be constructed.

[2] Sed quia territorii parvitas magnitudinem operis non potest sustinere, hoc sollicitudo nostra prospexit, ut acceptis mercedibus competentibus pedaturam murorum omnes in commune subeatis qui vicinitate iungimini, quatenus accommodato solacio securius impleatur, quod paucis inexplicabile fortasse cognoscitur: hac scilicet condicione definita, ut nullus ab his oneribus excusetur, unde nec divina domus excipitur.

[2] But because the smallness of the territory cannot sustain the greatness of the work, our solicitude has provided this: that, with appropriate wages received, all of you who are joined by vicinity should in common undertake the footing of the walls, to the end that, with suitable solace supplied, what is perhaps recognized as inextricable for a few may be more securely accomplished: with this condition defined, namely, that no one be excused from these burdens, whence not even the divine house is excepted.

X. VERANI SAIONI THEODERICUS REX.

10. THEODERIC THE KING TO VERANUS THE SAIO.

[1] Cum deo iuvante pro defensione generali felicissimus producatur exercitus, providendum est, ne aut ipsi penuria inconsulta fatigentur aut (quod dici nefas est) vastationem nostrae videantur provinciae sustinere. primus enim prosperitatis gradus est suis non esse damnosum, ut, pro quorum compendio laboramus, eorum non videamur afflixisse fortunas.

[1] when, with god aiding, for the general defense a most felicitous army is brought forth, provision must be made, lest either they themselves be wearied by ill-considered scarcity, or (which it is unspeakable to say) seem to subject our province to devastation. for the first step of prosperity is not to be damaging to one’s own, so that those for whose compendium we labor we may not seem to have afflicted their fortunes.

[2] Et ideo devotioni tuae praesenti auctoritate delegamus, ut multitudinem Gepidarum, quam fecimus ad Gallias custodiae causa properare, per Venetiam atque Liguriam sub omni facias moderatione transire. quibus ne aliqua excedendi praeberetur occasio, per unamquamque condamam sumptus eis tres solidos largitas nostra direxit, ut illis cum provincialibus nostris non rapiendi votum, sed commercii sit facultas.

[2] And therefore we delegate to your devotion by this present authority, that you cause the multitude of the Gepids, whom we have made to hasten to Gaul for the sake of guard-duty, to pass through Venetia and Liguria with every restraint. Lest any occasion for overstepping be afforded them, our largess has directed for them an allowance of three solidi at each staging-post, so that with our provincials they may have not a vow of rapine, but the faculty of commerce.

[3] Illud plane pro cunctorum quiete laborantibus indulgentia nostra concedit, ut, si aut eorum carpenta itinere longiore quassantur aut animalia attrita languescunt, te custode atque mediante cum possessoribus sine aliqua oppressione mutentur, ut, qui daturi sunt corpore aut qualitate meliora, quamvis parvis sanis animalibus adquiescant, quia incerta est vita eorum, qui nimia fatigatione lassantur. ita fit, ut nec illis desit subvectio necessaria et nullus se laesum tali permutatione cognoscat.

[3] That point, plainly, our indulgence grants for the quiet of all who are laboring: that, if either their carriages are shaken by a longer journey or the animals, worn down, grow faint, with you as guardian and mediator they may be exchanged with the possessors without any oppression; so that those who are going to give things better in body or in quality may be content even with small, sound animals, since the life of those who are wearied by excessive fatigue is uncertain. Thus it comes about that neither is the necessary transport lacking to them, and no one recognizes himself as harmed by such a permutation.

XI. GEPIDIS AD GALLIAS DESTINATIS THEODERICUS REX.

11. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE GEPIDS DESTINED FOR THE GAULS.

[1] Fuerat quidem dispositionis nostrae, ut vobis iter agentibus annonas iuberemus expendi: sed ne species ipsae aut corruptae aut difficile praeberentur, in auro vobis tres solidos per condamam elegimus destinare, ut et mansiones vobis, prout herbarum copia suppetit, possitis eligere et quod vobis est aptum magis, emere debeatis. nam et possessorem haec res occurrere facit, si vos necessaria comparare cognoscit. movete feliciter, ite moderati.

[1] It had indeed been of our disposition, that, as you are making the journey, we should order rations to be expended for you: but lest the very supplies either be corrupted or be proffered with difficulty, in gold we have chosen to assign to you three solidi per head, so that you may both be able to choose lodgings, as far as the supply of fodder allows, and purchase what is more apt for you. For this arrangement also makes the possessor come forward, if he knows that you are buying the necessities. Move happily, go moderately.

tale sit iter vestrum, quale decet esse qui laborant pro salute cunctorum.

May your journey be such as befits those who labor for the safety of all.

XII. THEODAHADO V. I. THEODERICUS REX.

12. THEODERIC THE KING TO THEODAHAD, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Si iustitiam colere universos et amare praecipimus, quanto magis eos qui nostra proximitate gloriantur, quos omnia decet sub laude gerere, ut regiae possint fulgorem consanguinitatis ostendere. haec est enim indubitata nobilitas, quae moribus probatur ornata: quia pulchrum est commodum famae foeda neglexisse lucra pecuniae.

[1] If we command all to cultivate justice and to love it, how much more those who glory in our proximity, whom it befits to conduct all things under praise, so that they may be able to show the brilliance of royal consanguinity. For this is the undoubted nobility, which is proved adorned by morals: because it is fair, for the advantage of fame, to have neglected the foul lucre of money.

[2] Argolici itaque viri illustris et Amandiani viri clarissimi heredes supplici nobis aditione conquesti sunt Pallentianam massam, quam eis pro compensatione largitas nostra transfuderat, ut casae Arbitanae amissionem hac commoditate solarentur, ab hominibus vestris nullis causis extantibus indecenter invasam et inde crevisse culpandae surreptionis vitium, unde dari debuit gloriosae moderationis exemplum.

[2] Therefore the heirs of Argolicus, an illustrious man, and of Amandianus, a most renowned man, have complained to us by a supplicatory petition that the Pallentian estate, which our largess had transferred to them by way of compensation, so that by this convenience they might solace the loss of the Arbitan house, has been unseemly invaded by your men, no grounds being extant, and that from this the fault of a blameworthy surreption has grown, whence there ought to have been given an example of glorious moderation.

[3] Quapropter si nullo mendacio asserta vitiantur, magnitudo vestra quae sunt ablata restituat: et, si quid vobis creditis posse competere, ad comitatum nostrum instructam iure personam modis omnibus destinate, ut civiliter plantata causatio finem de legibus sortiatur. ibi enim quicquid geritur, invidiae tuae potius applicatur et maiora detrimenta famae suscipis, dum talia non vitare contendis: hic autem confligunt causae viribus suis et sine derogatione quilibet mediocris addicitur, quando iustitia teste superatur.

[3] Wherefore, if the assertions are not vitiated by any mendacity, let Your Greatness restore what has been taken away; and, if you believe that anything can be competent to you, by all means dispatch to our comitatus a person instructed in law, so that a cause, civilly planted, may obtain an end from the laws. For there whatever is transacted is imputed rather to your envy, and you incur greater detriments to reputation while you strive not to avoid such things: here, however, causes clash by their own forces, and without derogation anyone of middling rank is adjudged, when, justice being witness, he is overcome.

XIII. EUTROPIO ET AGROECIO THEODERICUS REX.

13. THEODERIC THE KING TO EUTROPIUS AND AGROECIUS.

[1] Studium vestrum rei publicae grata mente debetis impendere, quia nos agnovistis bene meritis multa praestare. nam pietatis intuitu vicissitudinem pollicemur, cum tamen pro vobis omnia iubeamus. atque ideo praesenti iussione vos credidimus ammonendos, ut annonas constitutas exercitui praebere debeatis, quatenus nec illi neglegantur adverso voto nec provinciales perniciosa debeat gravare direptio.

[1] Your zeal for the Republic you ought to expend with a grateful mind, since you have acknowledged that we bestow many things upon the well-deserving. For in regard to piety we promise reciprocation, even though we order all things on your behalf. And therefore by this present injunction we have thought you should be admonished, that you ought to provide the established grain-rations to the army, so that neither they be neglected, against our wish, nor should a pernicious depredation burden the provincials.

Commodius enim sub expensarum lege tenetur exercitus, quam si cuncta fuerit vastare permissus. ignorat modum servare praesumptio nec potest sub modo redigi, cui licentia fuerit visa concedi. quapropter consequatur exercitus alimoniam deputatam, ne qua pars praedictam possit sustinere molestiam.

For it is more commodious that the army be held under the law of expenses than if it were permitted to devastate everything. presumption does not know how to keep measure, nor can one be brought under measure to whom license has seemed to be conceded. wherefore let the army obtain the assigned sustenance, lest any part be able to endure the aforesaid trouble.

XIIII. SEVERINO V. I. THEODERICUS REX.

14. THEODERIC THE KING TO SEVERINUS, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Iustitiae ratio persuadet excedentes reprimere, ut ad cunctos possit quietis suavitas pervenire. nam quemadmodum aequabilitas agitur, si vires mediocrium consurgere non sinantur? provincialium itaque nostrorum saepius querela comperimus possessores idoneos Saviae non solum casarum suarum tributariam functionem in tenuem relisisse fortunam, verum etiam scelerato commercio aliquid exinde suis applicare compendiis, ut functio publica commoditas sit privata.

[1] The rationale of justice persuades us to restrain those who exceed, so that the sweetness of quiet may be able to reach all. For how is equability to be maintained, if the forces of the middle sort are not allowed to arise? Therefore, from the complaint of our provincials we have often learned that the qualified proprietors of Savia have not only left the tributary function of their own cottages upon slender means, but even, by nefarious trafficking, to attach something therefrom to their own profits, so that a public function becomes a private convenience.

[2] Hoc quidem per plurimos desideravimus corrigi, sed hactenus in tuam laudem videtur potuisse differri, quatenus fides haberetur acceptior, quando post multos neglegentes studium vestrum efficacissime comprobatis. atque ideo prudentia, qua notus es, universum possessorem considerata iustitia te iubemus inspicere et aequalitatem tributi hac ratione moderari, ut quae sub aliis facta est omni redemptione cassata pro pessessionum atque hominum qualitate assis publicus imponatur. sic enim et iustitia perficitur et vires nostrorum provincialium sublevantur.

[2] This indeed we have desired to be corrected through very many (years), but thus far it seems to have been able to be deferred to your praise, to the extent that trust might be held more acceptable, since after many negligent men you most efficaciously prove your zeal. And therefore, by the prudence for which you are known, with justice considered we command you to inspect every possessor and to regulate the equality of the tribute on this plan: that whatever has been done under others, with every redemption (tax‑farming) quashed, a public assessment be imposed according to the quality of holdings and of persons. Thus both justice is perfected and the strength of our provincials is uplifted.

[3] Eos autem, quos sine iussione nostra censum imposuisse constiterit et pro libito suo quorundam onera in alios proiecerunt, legum severitas insequatur, ut omnia illis detrimenta sarciant, quibus incompetenter damna fecerunt. illud quoque praecipimus inquirendum, ut inter defensores, curiales et possessores illatorum ratio vestigetur et quicquid ab octava indictione nuper exempta super tributarium solidum se possessor probaverit intulisse nec nostro aerario constat illatum aut in expensis necessariis, quae in provincia factae sunt, iusta ratione non claruerit erogatum, iniqua praesumptio modis omnibus corrigatur.

[3] Those, however, whom it shall have been established to have imposed an assessment without our order and, at their own pleasure, to have projected the burdens of certain persons onto others, let the severity of the laws pursue, so that they make good all the losses to those upon whom they have improperly inflicted damages. We also order this to be investigated: that among the defenders, the curials, and the possessors the account of the amounts brought in be traced, and that whatever, from the eighth indiction, recently exempted, beyond the tributary solidus a possessor shall prove that he has paid in, and it is not established that it was brought into our treasury or it has not appeared by a just reckoning to have been disbursed in the necessary expenses which have been made in the province, the unjust presumption be corrected by all means.

[4] Hanc quoque partem non aestimes neglegendam, ut si hoc, quod tabularius a cubiculo nostro suscepit, rationabiliter non docetur expensum, ab iniusto retentatore reddatur. quid enim tam absurdum, nisi ut liberalitas nostra, quam universis proficere volumus, nunc a paucis furtivo compendio opprimatur?

[4] Do not think this part to be neglected either, that if that which the tabularius from our bedchamber undertook is not reasonably shown to have been expended, it be returned by the unjust withholder. For what is so absurd, unless that our liberality, which we wish to profit all, is now oppressed by the furtive gain of a few?

[5] Iudices quoque provinciae vel curiales atque defensores tam de cursu quam de aliis rebus illicita dicuntur possessoribus irrogare dispendia: quod te perquirere et sub ratione legum emendare censemus.

[5] Judges also of the province, as well as the curiales and defensores, are said to impose illicit disbursements upon possessors, both with respect to the cursus and to other matters: which we judge that you should thoroughly investigate and amend under the rule of the laws.

[6] Antiqui barbari, qui Romanis mulieribus elegerunt nuptiali foedere sociari, quolibet titulo praedia quaesiverunt, fiscum possessi cespitis persolvere ac superindicticiis oneribus parere cogantur.

[6] Let the ancient barbarians, who chose to be joined to Roman women by a nuptial pact, who have acquired praedial estates under whatever title, be compelled to pay the fisc for the turf they possess and to obey the additionally-imposed imposts.

[7] Iudex vero Romanus propter expensas provincialium, quae gravare pauperes suggeruntur, per annum in unumquodque municipium semel accedat: cui non amplius quam triduanae praebeantur annonae, sicut legum cauta tribuerunt. maiores enim nostri discursus iudicum non oneri, sed compendio provincialibus esse voluerunt.

[7] But the Roman judge, on account of the expenses of the provincials, which are alleged to burden the poor, shall each year come to every municipality once: to whom let there be furnished no more than three days’ provisions, as the stipulations of the laws have granted. For our ancestors wished the circuits of the judges to be not a burden, but a saving to the provincials.

[8] Domestici comitis Gothorum nec non et vicedomini aliqua dicuntur provincialibus concinnatis terroribus abstulisse: quibus iustitia vestra in examinationem deductis, quicquid super hac parte inique gestum esse cognoverit, amotis dilationibus legaliter ordinabit.

[8] The domestics of the Count of the Goths, and likewise the vicedomini, are said to have taken some things from the provincials by contrived terrors: which matters, when brought to examination by your justice, whatever it shall ascertain to have been done iniquitously in this regard, with delays removed, it will legally set in order.

[9] His ergo ac talibus, quae ad utilitatem publicam vel provinciales pertinent, sub omni ratione discussis ea te per omnia volumus agere, quae nostrae mansuetudini non debeant displicere. illud sane providentia nostra respexit, ut omnibus a te sollicita atque aequabili indagatione compertis polyptychi iubeantur ascribi: quatenus et testimonia vestrae fidei clareant et nulla posthac, quae abrogari volumus, semina fraudis iterentur.

[9] Therefore, with these and such matters, which pertain to the public utility or to the provincials, discussed under every rationale, we wish you in all respects to do those things which ought not to displease our mansuetude. that, to be sure, our providence has had regard to: that all things found by you through solicitous and equitable investigation be ordered to be ascribed to the polyptychs; to the end that both the testimonies of your fidelity may shine forth and that henceforth no seeds of fraud, which we wish to be abrogated, be repeated.

XV. UNIVERSIS POSSESSORIBUS IN SAVIA PROVINCIA CONSTITUTIS THEODERICUS REX.

15. THEODERIC THE KING TO ALL POSSESSORS ESTABLISHED IN THE PROVINCE OF SAVIA.

[1] Licet cunctis laborantibus comitatus noster concedat deo auxiliante iustitiam et hinc remedia subiectis ad reliquas regni partes quasi a vivo fonte descendant, tamen frequenti aditione permoti ingeniosa pietate repperimus et aequitatem vobis concedere et fatigationem longi itineris abrogare, quia dulciora sunt beneficia, quae nullis difficultatibus obtinentur.

[1] Although our comitatus grants, with God assisting, justice to all who labor, and from here remedies for the subjects descend to the remaining parts of the kingdom as if from a living spring, yet, moved by frequent approach, we have found by ingenious piety both to concede equity to you and to abrogate the fatigue of a long journey, because benefits are sweeter which are obtained with no difficulties.

[2] Misimus itaque illustrem et magnificum Severinum nostris institutionibus eruditum, ut hoc apud vos gereret quod nobis semper placuisse cognovit. vidit enim quam honorabilis apud nos iustus habeatur, quemadmodum bonis actibus clementia nostrae serenitatis arrideat. exercet profecto quod nos aestimat gratanter accipere: nec potest amari rapacitas continenti principi nulla redemptione placitura.

[2] We have therefore sent the illustrious and magnificent Severinus, erudite in our institutions, to carry out among you that which he has known to have always pleased us. For he has seen how honorable the just man is held with us, how the clemency of our serenity smiles upon good acts. He indeed practices that which he judges we gratefully receive; nor can rapacity be loved by a continent prince, one to be pleased by no redemption.

praesumenter ergo conveniat ad eum laesorum tumultus: speret remedium qualibet pressus iniuria.

Confidently, therefore, let the tumult of the aggrieved convene to him: let whoever is pressed by any injury hope for a remedy.

[3] Difficultatem vobis querelae summovemus, dum in ipsis cunabulis scelera commissa resecantur: sine aliqua formidine alieni tributi sarcina gravatus exclamet, accepturus remedium quod de legibus habet. sic enim confidimus, quia per eos, quos instituta nostra componunt, innocentibus detrimenta non veniant. qualia vero pro quiete vestra vel aequalitate tributorum disponenda censuimus, oracula nostra, quae dedimus ad supradictum virum illustrem Severinum, vulgata declarabunt, ut unusquisque unde supplicare debeat, evidenter agnoscat.

[3] We remove for you the difficulty of complaint, while crimes committed are cut back in their very cradles: let him, weighed down by the burden of another’s tribute, cry out without any fear, about to receive the remedy which he has from the laws. For thus we are confident, that through those whom our institutions appoint, detriments do not come upon the innocent. And what we have judged should be arranged for your quiet and for the equality of tributes, our oracles, which we have given to the above‑said illustrious man Severinus, once published will declare, so that each person may plainly recognize on what ground he ought to supplicate.

XVI. ABUNDANTIO PPO THEODERICUS REX.

16. THEODERIC THE KING TO ABUNDANTIUS, THE PRAETORIAN PREFECT.

[1] Quamvis utilia rei publicae nostra semper consuetudine censeamus et ob id omnibus possint esse gratissima quae iubemus, quia cunctis profutura noscuntur, tractandum tamen est, ut principis desiderium nulli existere debeat onerosum. nam et si praeclare cogitata non bene agantur, ingrata sunt: illud autem solum perfectum dicitur, quod de voluntate simul et actione laudatur.

[1] Although by our consuetude we always judge things useful to the commonwealth, and for that reason the things we command can be most welcome to all, since they are known to be about to profit everyone, nevertheless it must be arranged that the ruler’s desire ought to be onerous to no one. For even if things nobly conceived are not well carried out, they are unwelcome; but that alone is called perfect which is lauded both for will and for action.

[2] Cum nostrum igitur animum frequens cura pulsaret naves Italiam non habere, ubi tanta lignorum copia suffragatur, ut aliis quoque provinciis expetita transmittat, deo nobis inspirante decrevimus mille interim dromones fabricandos assumere, qui et frumenta publica possint convehere et adversis navibus, si necesse fuerit, obviare. sed tantae rei quem desideramus effectum magnitudinis vestrae sollicitudine credimus esse procurandum.

[2] Therefore, since frequent care was beating upon our mind that Italy does not have ships, though so great an abundance of timber lends its support there that it even transmits sought-after supplies to other provinces, with God inspiring us we have decreed for the meantime to undertake the fabrication of a thousand dromones, which can both convey the public grain and, if it be necessary, meet adverse ships. But we believe that the effect which we desire of so great a matter must be procured by Your Greatness’s solicitude.

[3] Ideoque per cunctam Italiam directis artificibus apta operi ligna perquire, et sicubi cupressos aut pinos reppereris in vicinitate litoris, dato competenti pretio dominis consulatur. haec enim tantum sunt quae ad taxationem vocentur, cetera vilitate sui non indigent aestimari.

[3] And therefore, with artificers dispatched through all Italy, seek out timbers apt for the work; and if anywhere you find cypresses or pines in the vicinity of the shore, let the owners be consulted, a competent price being given. For these alone are those that are to be called to assessment; the rest, by their own cheapness, have no need to be appraised.

[4] Sed ne provisio nostra in mediis conatibus deserta languescat, nautarum te iubemus sub hac moderatione iam nunc competentem numerum divinitate iuvante procurare. et si is qui nobis necessarius aestimatur servus fuerit alienus, aut conducat eum classibus serviturum aut, si hoc ipse magis elegerit, accepto pretio rationabili publico cedat sui iura dominii. si vero libertate gaudet electus, quinos solidos donativum et annonam se noverit accipere competentem.

[4] But lest our provision, abandoned in the midst of its endeavors, grow faint, we order you, under this regulation, even now, with divine aid, to procure a competent number of sailors. And if someone who is judged necessary to us should be another’s slave, either hire him to serve the fleets, or, if he himself should prefer this, upon a reasonable price being received, let him cede to the public his rights of ownership over him. But if the man chosen rejoices in liberty, let him know that he will receive five solidi as a donative and a suitable ration.

[5] Eo modo et illi tractandi sunt qui a suis dominis exuuntur, quando libertatis genus est servire rectori (frequenter enim laborum patientes existunt, quibus districti domini colla presserunt): ita tamen, ut supradicti nautae arrarum nomine pro hominum qualitate binos aut ternos solidos a vestra debeant sede percipere, quatenus unusquisque, cum fuerit ammonitus, paratus debeat inveniri. piscatores vero non iubemus in hac definitione concludi, quia dolenter amittitur, qui ad procurandas delicias possidetur, quando et altera consuetudo est ventis saevientibus occurrere et litora piscosa sulcare.

[5] In the same way those too must be dealt with who are divested by their own masters, since it is a kind of liberty to serve the rector (for often there exist men patient of labors, whose strict masters have pressed their necks): yet thus, that the aforesaid sailors, under the name of earnest-money, according to the quality of the men, ought to receive two or three solidi from your office, to the end that each one, when he shall have been admonished, ought to be found ready. But fishermen we do not order to be included in this definition, because he is painfully lost who is possessed for procuring delicacies, since moreover it is another practice to face raging winds and to furrow fish-bearing shores.

XVII. ABUNDANTIO PPO THEODERICUS REX.

17. THEODERIC THE KING TO ABUNDANTIUS, PRAETORIAN PREFECT.

[1] Alacriter incumbendum est incohatis, cum iam vicinitas perfectionis arriserit, quando spes effectus taedium laboris excludit et magnum genus incitamenti credere desiderata compleri. dudum igitur magnitudini vestrae ex Italiae litoribus officia iussimus praeparare nautarum, ut dromones, quos industria fabricare valuisset, manus remigum provisa susciperet. sed tu iudicio nostro electionique respondens ostendisti, quam fuerit indubitata perfectio efficacissimis imperasse, quod quaeritur.

[1] One must briskly press upon things initiated, when now the vicinity of perfection has smiled, since the hope of effect excludes the tedium of labor, and it is a great kind of incitement to believe that the desired things are being completed. Some time ago, therefore, we ordered Your Greatness to prepare from the shores of Italy the services of sailors, so that the dromons, which your industry had been able to fabricate, might be taken up by a provided band of oarsmen. But you, responding to our judgment and choice, have shown how undoubted the perfection was, in having most efficaciously commanded what is being sought.

renuntias ilico completum, quod vix credi poterat incohatum, ut paene quanta velocitate navigari solet constructio navium, tanta sit celeritate completa.

you report back forthwith that completed which scarcely could be believed to have been begun, that almost with as much velocity as ships are wont to be sailed, the construction of ships has been completed with equal celerity.

[2] Nec solum verba narrata sunt: obtulisti oculis nostris subito classeam silvam, domos aquatiles, exercituales pedes, qui nullo labore deficiant, sed inconcussos homines ad destinata perducant, trireme vehiculum remorum tantum numerum prodens, sed hominum facies diligenter abscondens. hoc primum instituisse legimus Argonautas. quod et armatis aptum et congruum probatur esse commerciis, ut, qui peregrinas classes optabamus aspicere, nunc mittamus aliis provinciis et terrorem pariter et decorem.

[2] Nor were words alone narrated: you suddenly presented to our eyes a fleet-forest, aquatic homes, military feet which fail under no toil, but convey men unshaken to their destinations, a trireme vehicle revealing only the number of oars, but carefully hiding the faces of men. We read that the Argonauts first instituted this. It is proved to be apt for the armed and congruent for commerce as well, so that we, who used to long to behold foreign fleets, now send to other provinces both terror and decor alike.

[3] Ornasti rem publicam tua institutione reparatam. non habet quod nobis Graecus imputet aut Afer insultet. illud apud nos invidi vigere respiciunt, unde illi per magna pretia sua vota complebant.

[3] You have adorned the republic, repaired by your institution. The Greek has nothing to impute to us, nor the African to insult. The envious observe that thing to be thriving among us, whereby they used to fulfill their vows at great prices.

nunc praedictis rebus armamenta procurate, vela praecipue alas navium facientia, lignum volatile, quidam spiritus currentium carinarum, praenuntia mercium, auxilia quieta nautarum, quorum beneficio conficiunt otiosi, quod a celerrimis avibus vix probatur impleri.

now, in addition to the aforesaid things, procure the equipment, the sails especially, making the wings of ships, the flying timber, a certain spirit of the running keels, the heralds of merchandise, the quiet aids of sailors, by whose benefit those at ease bring to completion that which is scarcely judged to be fulfilled by the swiftest birds.

[4] Hoc Isis rati prima suspendit, cum per maria Harpocran filium suum audaci femina pietate perquireret. ita dum materna caritas suum desiderium festinat explere, mundi visa est ignota reserare. atque ideo, divino nobis auxilio suffragante cuius virtutis est hominum vota perficere, proximo die iduum Iuniarum ad urbem Ravennatem congregatio navium cuncta convcniat, quatenus res vicino fine gaudentes ad plenissimum perducantur effectum.

[4] This Isis was the first to hoist this upon a raft, when across the seas she was seeking her son Harpocrates, a woman bold with piety. Thus, while maternal charity hastens to fulfill her desire, she seemed to unlock the unknown things of the world. And therefore, with divine help favoring us, whose virtue it is to bring to perfection the vows of men, on the day next to the Ides of June let the whole congregation of ships assemble at the city of Ravenna, so that the matters, rejoicing in their near end, may be brought to the fullest effect.

[5] Sed quoniam dromonum numerum iuvante deo cupimus ampliari, si qua ligna fabricis eorum necessaria per utramque Padi ripam potuerint inveniri, nullo obsistente iubemus abscidi, quia sine praeiudicio dominorum operi tantum praesenti volumus inventa concedi. mittat Padus noster indigenas pelago naves et abies, quae fluentis amnicis nutrita surrexit, marinarum superare cumulos discat undarum.

[5] But since, with God helping, we desire the number of dromons to be enlarged, if any timbers necessary for their constructions can be found along both banks of the Po, we order them to be cut down with no one opposing, because, without prejudice to the owners, we wish the things found to be granted only for the present work. Let our Po send to the deep native ships, and let the fir, which, nourished by flowing rivers, has sprung up, learn to overcome the swells of the sea-waves.

[6] Illud etiam magnopere credidimus amputandum, quod vestra fieri suggestione comperimus: ne quis in fluminibus navigeris diversis territoriis meantibus, id est in Mincio Ollio Ausere Arno Tiberi, audeat fluminum alveos piscandi studio turpissima saepe concludere, et quae sunt praesumpta, protinus auferantur. pateat amnis in navium cursus: sufficiat humano desiderio consuetis artibus delicias quaerere, non commento rustico libertatem fluminis impedire, ne, quod dici nefas est, utilitati publicae voluptas privata obstitisse videatur.

[6] We have also most greatly believed that this must be amputated, which we have ascertained from your suggestion to be occurring: that no one in the navigable rivers going through diverse territories, that is, in the Mincio Ollio Ausere Arno Tiber, dare most disgracefully to enclose the channels of the rivers out of zeal for fishing, and let whatever has been presumed be removed forthwith. Let the river lie open for the course of ships: let it suffice for human desire to seek delicacies by customary arts, not to impede the liberty of the river by a rustic contrivance, lest, which it is unspeakable to say, private pleasure seem to have obstructed public utility.

XVIII. VVILIAE V. I. COMITI PATRIMONII THEODERICUS REX.

18. THEODERIC THE KING TO WILIAS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, COUNT OF THE PATRIMONY.

[1] Utilitas publica sicut ad conservationem respicit omnium, ita debet perfici studio ac labore cunctorum, quia magnae laudis occasio est, si in causa communi aliquid singulariter videatur impleri. facit enim unde commendetur et reliquis, qui tamen et sibi se profuisse cognoscit. pridem igitur nos iussisse meministi, ut per domum nostram navigandi quaererentur artifices.

[1] Public utility, just as it looks to the conservation of all, so ought to be perfected by the zeal and labor of all, because it is an occasion of great praise if, in a common cause, something seems to be fulfilled singularly. For he thereby provides a ground whence he is commended by the rest, who nevertheless recognizes that he has also benefited himself. Therefore you remember that long since we ordered that, through our household, artificers of navigating be sought.

[2] Quos deo auxiliante provisos ad Ravennatem urbem die iduum Iuniarum praecipimus incunctanter occurrere, ut adventus eorum constructioni navium opportune videatur offerri, ne res divisae generare sibi videantur aliquam tarditatem et parum sit unam perficere, nisi contingat utramque procurare.

[2] Those, provided with God aiding, we command to come without delay to the city of Ravenna on the day of the Ides of June, so that their arrival may seem to be offered opportunely for the construction of ships, lest divided affairs seem to generate for themselves some tardity, and it be too little to finish one, unless it should happen to procure both.

[3] Si qua etiam per ripam fluminis Padi ligna fabricandis apta dromonibus in praediis regalibus potuerint reperiri, artificibus huic operi a magnifico viro Abundantio praefecto praetorio deputatis abscidendi sit permissa licentia. volumus enim hoc exemplum a nostris praediis incohare, ut nulli gravis sit iussio, quae constringit et principem.

[3] If any timber also along the bank of the river Po can be found on the royal estates, suitable for building dromons, let license be granted to the craftsmen assigned to this work by the magnificent man Abundantius, Praetorian Prefect, to cut it down. For we wish this example to begin from our own estates, so that the order may be burdensome to no one, which also constrains the prince.

XVIIII. GUDINANDO SAIONI THEODERICUS REX.

19. THEODERIC THE KING TO GUDINANDUS, SAIO.

[1] Maiora sibi facit credi, quisquis efficaciter iniuncta peregerit, quia indubitanter illi aliquid committitur qui optime comprobatur, et honestum suffragium est secundi iudicii documentum prionis. atque ideo ordinatione magnificorum virorum Abundantii praefecti praetorio atque VViliae comitis patrimonii ad illam provinciam te iubemus excurrere, ut tam de domo regia quam in locis aliis habitantes secundum priora praecepta provisos nautas ad urbem Ravennatem die iduum Iuniarum deo auxiliante festinare compellas, quatenus nulla tarditas tam praeclaris iussionibus afferatur. cave ergo ne te venalitas maculet aut neglectus turpis involvat et tam magnae rei supra te ruentis pondere comprimaris, si tantis ac talibus rebus impar extiteris.

[1] He makes greater things be believed of himself, whoever has efficaciously carried out what was enjoined, because indubitably something is committed to him who is best approved, and an honorable suffrage is the proof of the former judgment by a second. And therefore, by the ordination of the magnificent men Abundantius, Praetorian Prefect, and Wilia, Count of the Patrimony, we order you to hasten out to that province, so that you compel the sailors—whether from the royal house or dwelling in other places—furnished according to the earlier precepts, to make haste to the city of Ravenna by the day of the Ides of June, God assisting, in order that no tardity be brought upon such illustrious injunctions. Beware, therefore, lest venality stain you or shameful neglect envelop you, and lest you be pressed down by the weight of so great a matter rushing down upon you, if you should prove unequal to such great and suchlike affairs.

XX. ALIULFO SAIONI THEODERICUS REX.

20. THEODERIC THE KING TO ALIULF, THE SAIO.

[1] Per utramque ripam Padi reperiri ligna comperimus fabricandis apta dromonibus, ideoque tibi praesenti iussione delegamus, ut secundum ordinationem magnificorum virorum Abundantii praefecti praetorio atque VViliae comitis patrimonii ad loca designata cum artificibus incunctanter accedas et, sive in domo regia seu in privata reperta fuerint, sine aliqua facies tarditate procurari, quia nulli grave credimus praebere, quod deo auxiliante pro communi utilitate praeparatur.

[1] Along both banks of the Po we have found timber suitable for fabricating dromons, and therefore by this present injunction we delegate to you that, according to the ordinance of the magnificent men Abundantius, praetorian prefect, and Wilia, count of the patrimony, you should without delay proceed with the artificers to the designated places and, whether it be found in the royal house or in private property, you shall see to it that it is procured without any delay, since we believe it a burden to no one to provide that which, with God aiding, is prepared for the common utility.

[2] Verum ita volumus te iniuncta peragere, ut nihil ad laedendum possessorem studiose videatur inquiri, sed tantum quae sunt necessaria utilitatis nostrae causa praesumantur. non exquiratur aliqiud a domino, quod postea publico non dicatur acceptum. ligna silvestria iubemus caedi, non aliquid de alienis facultatibus violenter abscidi.

[2] Truly we wish you to carry through the things enjoined in such a way that nothing seems to be zealously sought to the harming of the possessor, but only those things which are necessary are taken for the sake of our utility. let not anything be sought out from the owner which afterward is not said to have been received for the public. we order forest timber to be cut, not that anything from others’ resources be violently cut off.

talia nobis prosunt, qualia nostros gravare non possunt, quae, si causa praesens non exquireret, ille se crederet non habere.

such things benefit us, such as cannot burden our people, things which, if the present cause did not require them, that man would believe himself not to have.

[3] In Mincio Ollio Ausere Tiberi et Arno fluminibus comperimus quosdam saepibus cursum fluminis, quantum ad navigandi studium pertinet, incidisse. quod te volumus ordinatione magnifici viri Abundantii praefecti praetorio modis omnibus amputare, nec tale aliquid permittatis quemquam ultra praesumere, sed inviolati alvei tractus navium relinquatur excursibus. scimus enim retibus, non saepibus esse piscandum.

[3] On the rivers Mincio, Oglio, Ausere, the Tiber, and the Arno we have learned that certain persons have with hedges cut off the course of the river, insofar as it pertains to the pursuit of navigating. This we wish you, by the ordinance of the magnificent man Abundantius, Praetorian Prefect, to amputate by all means, and do not permit anyone henceforth to presume anything of the sort, but let the stretch of the channel, inviolate, be left for the runs of ships. For we know that one must fish with nets, not with hedges.

nam hinc quoque detestabilis aviditas proditur, ut sibi tantum festinet includere, quantum ad multos poterat pervenire.

for from this too a detestable avidity is revealed, such that it hastens to enclose only for itself as much as could reach to many.

XXI. CAPUANO V. S. THEODERICUS REX.

21. THEODERIC THE KING TO CAPUANUS, A DISTINGUISHED MAN.

[1] Si te tironem iudicia nostra delegissent, si ad examinis trutinam venisses incognitus, monendum aestimaremus, quali te prudentia, quo decore tractares. sed omnium crederis intellegentiam habere virtutum, qui exerceri meruisti militia litterarum. aestimas enim, qua te debeas modestia continere, qui alieni negotii visus es vota peregisse.

[1] If our judgments had designated you a tyro, if you had come unknown to the balance of examination, we would judge that you must be admonished with what prudence, with what decorum you should conduct yourself. But you are believed to have the understanding of all the virtues, you who have deserved to be exercised in the militia of letters. For you appraise by what modesty you ought to restrain yourself, you who have seemed to have fulfilled the wishes in another’s business.

nam si te iudicis suspicio saeva tetigisset, laudando iustitiam leni ac penetrabili remedio eius animum corrigebas, obtinens suavi persuasione, quod superiori non potuisses imponere. quis ergo dubitat illa te diligere, quae constat publica voce suasisse!

for if a savage suspicion of the judge had touched you, by praising justice you would correct his mind with a gentle and penetrative remedy, obtaining by suave persuasion what you could not impose upon a superior. Who, then, doubts that those things love you which it is agreed by the public voice that you have urged!

[2] Professa bona non habentur ambigua: nec cuiusquam adquiescit ingenium, ut quod ipse potuit emeritus prosequi, ab aliis tamquam rudis videatur edoceri. prolati documenti fidem fieri legitima voce poscebas examinans, si retinerent incorruptam scrinia veritatem. iudex nunc exhibe, quod te volebas apud alios obtinere.

[2] Professed goods are not accounted ambiguous: nor does anyone’s mind acquiesce that what he himself, as an emeritus, was able to prosecute should seem to be taught by others as though he were untrained. You were demanding that the faith of the produced document be made by a legitimate voice, examining whether the archives retained the truth uncorrupted. Judge, now exhibit what you wished to obtain before others.

age, ne tua tibi obiciatur oratio, quia pondus est pudoris gravissimi propria voce convinci. sume igitur auctore deo recturam decuriarum, humanorum actuum veracissimum testem, securitatem possidentium, publicae fidei splendidissimum templum. unde tantum tibi laudis adquiritur, quantorum illic utilitas incorrupta servatur.

Come now, lest your own oration be thrown back at you, since to be convicted by one’s own voice is the weight of most grievous shame. Therefore assume, with God as author, the rectorship of the decuries—the most veracious witness of human acts, the security of possessors, the most splendid temple of public faith. Whence there is acquired for you so much praise as the utility of how many things is there preserved incorrupt.

[3] Vivat ibi perpetuis saeculis decedentium voluntas: transeant in posteros iudicia parentum: scriniis tuis servetur omnium quies. alii honores habeant et terribiles fasces: tibi humanae vitae gratissimi videntur militare custodes. ibi enim absolutiones sunt hominum, vincla causarum, catena litium, carcer furoris.

[3] May the will of the departing live there through perpetual ages: let the judgments of parents pass into their descendants: let the repose of all be preserved in your archives. Let others have honors and the terrible fasces: to you the guardians who serve seem most pleasing to human life. For there are the absolutions of men, the bonds of causes, the chain of litigations, the prison of fury.

de quo verius diceret vates Mantuanus: 'clauduntur litis portae, furor impius intus inclusus fremit horridus ore cruento.' decuriales igitur habita meritorum aestimatione deligito, quia non decet tantae urbis appellare quod vile est. maioris etiam natu utere, cum fuerit necesse, sententia, factus tot patribus senior, tantis tacentibus vox senatus. vide quid dignitatis acceperis, ut inter tot eloquentes viros sis dicendi primarius, quos etiam nobis profitemur esse reverendos.

about which the Mantuan vates would speak more truly: 'the gates of litigation are closed; impious furor within, enclosed, roars, horrid with a bloody mouth.' therefore choose the decurions, an estimation of merits having been held, for it is not fitting in so great a city to call to office what is vile. use also, when it shall be necessary, the opinion of one greater in age, you being made senior over so many fathers, the voice of the senate while such great men are silent. see what dignity you have received, that among so many eloquent men you may be foremost in speaking, whom we also profess to be reverend to us.

assume ergo concedere quae iubemus, praestare quae cedimus, ut illis aperias ianuas curiae, quos nostra electio aulam iusserit Libertatis intrare.

therefore undertake to concede what we command, to furnish what we grant, so that you may open the doors of the curia to those whom our choice shall have ordered to enter the Hall of Liberty.

XXII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE THEODERICUS REX.

22. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Licet caute semper eligendus sit qui vobis mittitur approbandus, quia ipse magis traditur examini, cuius sententia noscitur prolata pensari, illas tamen prudentibus viris sociari cupimus dignitates, quae Romanis arcibus quasi gemmae nobiles affiguntur. ubi enim dignius eloquens quam in civitate proficiat litterarum, ut ibi declaret meritum, ubi nutrivit ingenium? aptum est omne bonum locis suis et laudabilia quaeque sordescunt, nisi congrua sede potiantur.

[1] Although he who is sent to you for approval ought always to be chosen cautiously, because he himself is more delivered to examination—his sentence, once brought forth, being known to be weighed—yet we desire those dignities to be associated with prudent men, which are affixed to the Roman citadels as if noble gems. For where more worthily should an eloquent man make progress than in the city of letters, so that there he may declare his merit where he nurtured his genius? Every good is apt to its proper places, and whatever is laudable grows sordid, unless it obtain a congruent seat.

requirit pugna validas manus, desiderat navigium pectus animosum: sic scrinia vestra fidele propositum, sic curia facunda disertum. multa ergo deliberatione pensandus esse creditur, qui cottidie vestris sensibus offeratur.

battle requires sturdy hands, the ship desires a courageous breast: so your archives a faithful purpose, so the eloquent Curia an articulate man. therefore he who is offered daily to your judgments is believed to need to be weighed with much deliberation.

[2] Capuanum igitur spectabilem virum aestimatio nostra respexit, qui curiae vestrae sententiam maioris natu auctoritate facundus ediceret et senatus scrinia conscientiae puritate servaret, ut actus illos mundo celeberrimos sua reddat integritate laudandos. magnum munus est, patres conscripti, ad integritatem deligi, nec mediocriter probatur conscientia, cui est veritas commissa saeculorum. nam si praedicatur testis qui in praesenti negotio vera dixerit, qua laude censeri poterit, qui cunctis temporibus certa transmittit?

[2] Therefore our esteem has regarded a distinguished man of Capua, who, eloquent with the authority of an elder, might pronounce the judgment of your curia and guard the senate’s scrinia by the purity of his conscience, so that he may render those acts, most celebrated in the world, to be commendable by his own integrity. It is a great office, Conscript Fathers, to be chosen for integrity, nor is that conscience moderately approved to which the truth of the ages has been entrusted. For if a witness is proclaimed who has spoken true things in a present matter, with what praise can he be deemed, who transmits certainties to all times?

sed quamvis alumni vestri habeatis cuncta notissima, iuvat magis illa repetere quae omnium consensus possit agnoscere.

but although you have, concerning your alumnus, all things most well-known, it pleases rather to repeat those things which the consensus of all can acknowledge.

[3] Adest semper electo quaedam sermonum gratia, blanditur auribus, mentem trahit, utitur perspicuitate facundiae, qualem de pura, conscientia decet emanare. est enim quoddam speculum morum agentis oratio nec maius potest mentis esse testimonium quam qualitas inspecta verborum. nam ut eius propria describamus, patitur in simplicibus rebus linguae retinacula: his eo tamen terrentior cum perorat: et hoc illi ad gratiam datum est providente natura, ut quem prae foribus haesitantem videras, eloquentem in certaminibus obstupescas.

[3] There is always present to the chosen a certain grace of discourse; it flatters the ears, draws the mind, employs the perspicuity of eloquence such as it befits to emanate from a pure conscience. For oration is a kind of mirror of the agent’s morals, nor can there be a greater testimony of the mind than the quality of words when inspected. For, to describe his proper traits: in simple matters he submits to the restraints of the tongue; yet by these he is the more daunting when he perorates; and this has been given to him toward favor by nature providing, so that the one whom you had seen hesitating before the doors, you are struck with astonishment to find eloquent in contests.

[4] Illa vero memoria, quae oratorum thesaurus iure vocitatur, tanta in eum firmitate consedit, ut semel audita scripto apud eum putes esse recondita. magnum beneficium oblivionis nescire defectum: et quaedam similitudo vere caelestium est tempore decursa semper habere praesentia. quae nunc ideo declaramus, ut cognoscatis subiectorum gratas nos habere virtutes et iudicium nostrum non per casuale votum, sed per electionis studium doceamus esse conceptum.

[4] That memory indeed, which is rightly called the treasury of orators, settled in him with such firmness that things once heard you would think to have been stored with him as though by writing. It is a great benefaction not to know the defect of oblivion: and there is a certain likeness of truly celestial things, to have things that have run their course in time always as present. These things we now therefore declare, that you may know we hold with gratitude the virtues of those submitted, and that our judgment has been conceived not by a casual wish, but through the zeal of election.

[5] His ergo, patres conscripti, Capuanum bonis dotatum a praesenti indictione decuriarum rectorem esse praecipimus, maioris etiam natu auctoritate subvehimus, ut, qui se morum cana maturitate tractavit, quod est amplissimum reverentiae genus, in vestro ordine aetatis honore gratuletur. augebit eloquentiam officio meliore ditatus, quoniam multum facundior est qui sententiam dictat quam ille qui supplicat. libertas verba nutrit, metus autem copiam frequenter intercipit.

[5] Therefore, Conscript Fathers, we order that the Capuan, endowed with good qualities, be rector of the decurions from the present indiction, and we also raise him with the authority of a senior in years, so that he who has conducted himself with the hoary maturity of morals—which is the most ample kind of reverence—may rejoice in the honor of age in your order. He will augment his eloquence, enriched by a better office, since he is much more eloquent who dictates a sentence than he who supplicates. Liberty nourishes words, but fear frequently intercepts copiousness.

actus quoque ipse longe dissimilis, ut qui pridem assistebat etiam mediocribus humilibusque fortunis, nunc introducat vestrae curiae consulares.

his very conduct also is far dissimilar, so that he who formerly assisted even middling and humble fortunes now introduces consulars into your curia.

XXIII. ABUNDANTIO PPO THEODERICUS REX.

23. THEODERIC THE KING TO ABUNDANTIUS, PRAETORIAN PREFECT.

[1] Tatanem saionem nostrum cum sagittariis ad illustrem virum comitem VViliarium aestimavimus esse dirigendum, ut maius sumeret robur duplicatus exercitus. ostentent invenes nostri bellis, quod in gymnasio didicere virtutis. Schola Martia mittat examina: pugnaturus ludo, qui se exercere consuevit in otio.

[1] We judged that our saion Tatanes with the archers should be sent to the illustrious man, Count Vviliarius, so that the army, doubled, might take greater strength. Let our youths display in wars what of virtue they learned in the gymnasium. Let the Martial Schola send out its swarms: about to fight by play is he who has been accustomed to exercise himself in leisure.

atque ideo illustrem magnitudinem vestram eis annonas et navigia secundum consuetudinem praebere censemus, quatenus iuvante deo quo directi sunt debeant pervenire. vestrae enim sollicitudini damus nostrarum efficaciam iussionum, quia nullatenus destitui posse creditur, quod ordinationibus tuis iuvante deo incohatur.

and therefore we judge your illustrious magnitude to provide to them rations and ships according to custom, to the end that, with god aiding, they may arrive whither they have been directed. for to your solicitude we give the efficacy of our injunctions, since it is believed that by no means can that be left destitute which, by your ordinations, with god aiding, is begun.

XXIIII. EPIPHANIO V. S. CONSULARI PROVINCIAE DALMATIAE THEODERICUS REX.

24. THEODERIC THE KING TO EPIPHANIUS, A MAN OF SPECTABILIS RANK, CONSULARIS OF THE PROVINCE OF DALMATIA.

[1] Iohanna Andreae quondam iugali suo successisse legis munere perhibetur, quae intestata nullis existentibus proximis luce dicitur esse privata. cuius substantia a diversis nullo legitimo iure suffultis usurpatione voluntaria suggeritur possideri, et quia caduca bona fisco nostro competere legum cauta decreverunt, ideo te praesentibus oraculis ammonemus, ut huius rei veritate discussa, si re vera, ut ad nos perlatum est, nullus ei aut testamento heres extitit aut proximitatis iure successit, fisci nostri eam facies compendiis aggregari: quando innocentiae nostrae professio est iusta compendia non neglegere, apud quem calumnia numquam locum potuit invenire.

[1] Johanna is reported to have succeeded to Andreas, her former yoke-mate (spouse), by the munus of the law; she is said to have been deprived of the light intestate, no next-of-kin existing. Her substance is alleged to be possessed by various persons, by voluntary usurpation, upheld by no legitimate right; and since the provisions of the laws have decreed that caducary goods belong to our fisc, therefore we admonish you by these present oracles, that, the truth of this matter having been examined, if in very fact, as has been conveyed to us, no heir appeared for her either by testament or succeeded by the right of proximity, you will cause it to be aggregated to the gains of our fisc: since the profession of our innocence is not to neglect just gains, with whom calumny has never been able to find a place.

[2] Rogari enim in talibus causis, non fraudari principem decet, quia neglegentiae vitium est praesumptiones relinquere, quas iura praecipiunt amputare. si quid autem contra reppereris, quietos dominos habere patieris, quia magis illa nostra sunt patrimonia, quae a subiectis legitime possidentur.

[2] For in such cases it befits the prince to be petitioned, not to be defrauded, since it is a fault of negligence to leave in place presumptions which the laws command to amputate. But if you find anything to the contrary, you will allow the owners to have quiet possession, because those patrimonies are more truly ours which are legitimately possessed by our subjects.

XXV. BACAUDAE V. S. THEODERICUS REX.

25. THEODERIC THE KING TO BACAUDA, A MAN OF SPECTABILIS RANK.

[1] Fessos annos munificentia nostra corroborat, dum aetatem occiduam penuriae non facit detrimenta sentire. iuvenum siquidem virtus praesumptione laboris animatur: sola senum vita est quietis invenisse remedia. atque ideo tua supplicatione permoti designati tribunatus curam in Mediolanensi urbe diligentissime peragendam ad te decernimus pertinere ita, ut, quod est in rei publicae militia novum, donec vixeris, numquam tibi successorem tribuat cuiusquam plectenda praesumptio, quatenus in exhibendis voluptatibus officii huius cura, mansuetudinis nostrae beneficio, iugiter perfruaris, habens in utroque, quod tuam consoletur aetatem, loci commodum et laetitiam voluptatum.

[1] Our munificence corroborates weary years, while it does not make declining age feel the detriments of penury. For indeed the virtue of youths is animated by the undertaking of labor; the only resource of the old is to have found remedies of repose. And therefore, moved by your supplication, we decree that the care of the designated tribunate, to be carried out most diligently in the city of Milan, pertains to you, in such a way that—what is new in the republic’s service—so long as you live, no one’s punishable presumption may ever assign you a successor, to the end that, in the exhibiting of pleasures, by the benefit of our mildness, you may continually enjoy the charge of this office, having in both what may console your age, the convenience of the place and the joy of pleasures.

XXVI. UNIVERSIS GOTHIS PER PICENUM ET SAMNIUM CONSTITUTIS THEODERICUS REX.

26. TO ALL THE GOTHS STATIONED THROUGH PICENUM AND SAMNIUM THEODERIC THE KING.

[1] Quamvis munificentia nostra sit omnibus ubique gratissima, multo tamen acceptiora credimus quae nostri praesentia conferuntur, quia maiora de conspectu principis populi sumunt, quam de largitate beneficia consequuntur. nam paene similis est mortuo, qui a suo dominante nescitur nec sub aliquo honore vivit, quem regis sui notitia non defendit.

[1] Although our munificence is most pleasing to all everywhere, yet we believe those things to be much more acceptable which are conferred by our presence, because from the sight of the prince of the people they take on greater magnitude than benefits obtain from largess. For he is almost similar to a dead man who is unknown by his ruling lord and lives under no honor, whom the notice of his king does not defend.

[2] Et ideo praesenti iussione mandamus, ut octavo iduum Iuniarum die deo auxiliante ad praesentiam nostram venire debeatis: qui sollemniter regalia dona suscipitis, si venire protinus festinatis. illud tamen necessario commonentes, ut venientium nullus provenire possit excessus, ne possessorum segetes aut prata vastetis, sed sub omni continentia properantes de custodita disciplina grata nobis esse vestra possit occursio, quia ideo exercituales gratanter subimus expensas, ut ab armatis custodiatur intacta civilitas.

[2] And therefore by the present injunction we command that, with God aiding, you ought to come into our presence on June 6: you who solemnly receive the regalia gifts, if you hasten to come at once. This, however, we necessarily remind you of: that no excess may arise among those coming, lest you lay waste the crops or meadows of landholders; but hastening with all self-restraint, from maintained discipline your encounter with us may be pleasing to us, because for this reason we gladly incur the military expenses, that civil order may be kept untouched by the armed.

XXVII. GUDUIN SAIONI THEODERICUS REX.

27. THEODERIC THE KING TO GUDUIN THE SAIO.

[1] Consuetudine liberalitatis ragiae commonemur, ut Gothis nostris debeamus sollemnia dona largiri. et ideo devotio tua millenarios provinciae Piceni et Samnii sine aliqua dilatione commoneat, ut eos, qui annis singulis nostrae mansuetudinis praemia consequuntur, pro accipiendo donativo ad comitatum faciat incunctanter occurrere, quatenus, qui bene nobis meriti fuerint, maiore munificentia gratulentur.

[1] By the custom of regal liberality we are admonished to bestow the solemn gifts upon our Goths. And therefore let your devotion remind the millenaries of the province of Picenum and of Samnium without any delay, so that those who each year obtain the prizes of our mansuetude may, for the receiving of the donative, be made to come without hesitation to the court, to the end that those who have well deserved of us may be gladdened with greater munificence.

[2] Inculpabiliter enim necesse est vivat, qui suam praesentiam novit principibus offerendam: bonos enim laus, malos querela comitatur. decet etiam nos sub hac occasione singulorum facta perquirere, ut nulli possit perire quod fecit in acie. nam si semper consuetudinarias res expectet exercitus, virtutem non potest amare neglectus.

[2] For it is necessary that he live blamelessly who knows that his presence is to be offered to princes: praise accompanies the good, complaint the bad. It also befits us on this occasion to inquire into the deeds of individuals, so that what one has done in the battle-line may perish for no one. For if the army should always expect customary things, the neglected cannot love virtue.

trepidus discat ad iudicem venire, qui se non meminit aliquid audacter egisse: ut melius possit hostibus violentus insurgere, qui nostrae mavult imputationis vulnera declinare.

let the trembling man learn to come to the judge, who does not remember himself to have done anything audaciously: so that he may be able to rise up more violently against the enemies, he who prefers to decline the wounds of our imputation.

XXVIII. CARINO V. I. THEODERICUS REX.

28. THEODERIC THE KING TO CARINUS, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Habent hoc gloriosum praeiudicium bonarum merita personarum, ut otio torpescere non sinantur qui probis actionibus innotescunt: et ideo tam desiderio vestro satisfacientes, quam quod vos necessarios esse credidimus, iussis praesentibus evocamus, quatenus et viris nobilibus obsequia nostra decorentur et quae utilia nobis credimus, per te expedire possimus.

[1] The merits of good persons have this glorious presumption, that those who become known by acts of probity are not allowed to grow torpid in leisure; and therefore, both satisfying your desire and because we have believed you to be necessary, by these present orders we summon you, to the end that both our services to noble men may be graced and that, through you, we may be able to expedite what we deem useful to us.

XXVIIII. NEUDI V. I. THEODERICUS REX.

29. THEODERIC THE KING TO NEUDUS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Movit nos quidem Anduit fusa precatio, sed magis miserabiliorem reddidit virum luminis sui ademptus ornatus, quia necesse est ut amplius permoveat visa quam audita calamitas. is enim perpetua nocte superstes ad remedia nostra mutuati luminis beneficio festinavit, ut quem videre non poterat, saltem clementiae suavitate sentiret. clamat enim sibi Gudila vel Oppane incognitam suo generi condicionem servitutis imponi, cum pridem sub libertate nostros fuerit secutus exercitus.

[1] The supplication poured forth by Anduit did indeed move us, but the man was made the more pitiable by the adornment of his own light taken away, because it is necessary that a calamity seen move more than one heard. For he, surviving in perpetual night, hastened to our remedies by the benefit of borrowed light, so that him whom he could not behold, he might at least perceive by the sweetness of clemency. For Gudila or Oppane cries out that a condition of servitude unknown to his race is being imposed upon himself, since long ago, under liberty, he has followed our armies.

[2] Mirati sumus talem in famulatum trahi, qui a vero domino debuisset expelli. novus ambitus talem quaerere, quem possis horrere servumque dicere, cui debeas divina consideratione servire. adiciens enim huiusmodi calumnias Pitziae comitis celebratae opinionis viri sibi examinatione summotas, nunc autem infirmitatis suae mole compressum manu vindicare non posse, quae patrona fortibus probatur assistere.

[2] We have marveled that such a man is dragged into servitude, who ought to have been driven out by the true lord. A new ambition to seek such a one—whom you could shudder at and call a slave—whom, by divine consideration, you ought to serve. For he adds that calumnies of this sort against himself were removed upon examination by Pitzias the count, a man of celebrated opinion; but now, pressed by the weight of his infirmity, he is not able to vindicate by the hand, which patroness is proved to stand by the strong.

[3] Sed nos, quorum est proprium inter pares se dispares aequabilem iustitiam custodire, praesenti iussione decernimus, ut, si in iudicio supra memorati quondam Pitziae se probavit ingenuum, calumniantes protinus amovete: nec audeant ulterius necessitatibus alienis illudere, quos semel convictos decuerat sua vota damnare.

[3] But we—whose proper office, though unequal among equals, is to guard equable justice—by the present injunction decree that, if in the trial before the above-mentioned, the late Pitzias, he proved himself freeborn, remove the calumniators at once; nor let them dare further to mock at others’ necessities, they who, once convicted, ought to have had their own petitions condemned.

XXX. GUDUIN V. S. THEODERICUS REX.

30. THEODERIC THE KING TO GUDUIN, A RESPECTABLE MAN.

[1] Quos duces eligimus, eis simul et aequitatis momenta iure delegamus, quia non tantum armis quantum iudiciis vos effici cupimus clariores. Costula igitur atque Daila cum deo propitio Gothorum nostrorum libertate laetentur, onera sibi servilia a vobis causantur iniungi, quae nec ipsos deceat perpeti nec cuiquam irrationabiliter fas sit imponi. quod si ita gestum esse cognoscis, sine aliqua dilatione facias amoveri, ne ad nos exinde ulterius querela revocetur et incipiat gravis esse animo nostro in ducem revoluta causatio, quem magis oportet talia peragere, quae nos delectet audire.

[1] Those whom we choose as leaders, to them at the same time we by right delegate the instruments of equity, because we desire you to be made more illustrious not so much by arms as by judgments. Therefore let Costula and Daila, with God propitious, rejoice in the liberty of our Goths: they allege that servile burdens are being imposed upon them by you, which it is fitting neither for themselves to endure nor is it right to be imposed upon anyone irrationally. But if you recognize that it has been done thus, cause them to be removed without any delay, lest complaint be thereafter referred back to us, and the accusation, recoiling upon the duke, begin to be grievous to our mind—he whom it rather behooves to carry through such things as it delights us to hear.

XXXI. DECORATO VIRO DEVOTO THEODERICUS REX.

31. THEODERIC THE KING TO DECORATUS, A DEVOUT MAN.

[1] Thomas vir clarissimus intra Apuliam Calabriamque provincias de siliquatici titulo indictionum octavae nonae undecimae primae secundae et quintae decimae, quas ad conductionem suam pertinuisse commemorat, nonnullos maximam pecuniae quantitatem debere conqueritur. et quia utilitatem publicam diuturna non convenit ludificatione differri, ideoque devotio tua praesentia decreta suscipiens Marcum presbyterum, Andream et Simeonium vel reliquos, quos brevis subter adnexus eloquitur, servata in omnibus civilitate conveniat, ut, si eos non per calumniam, sed manifestos re vera fisco constiterit esse debitores, summam, quae rationabiliter postulatur, sine aliqua imminutione persolvant.

[1] Thomas, a most distinguished man, within the provinces of Apulia and Calabria, under the title of the siliquaticum, of the indictions 8, 9, 11, 1, 2, and 15, which he recounts to have pertained to his tax‑farm, complains that several owe a very great quantity of money. And because it is not fitting that the public utility be deferred by a prolonged ludification, therefore let your Devotion, taking up decrees of appearance, meet—maintaining civility in all things—with Marcus the presbyter, Andreas and Simeonius, or the others whom the brief subjoined below sets forth, so that, if it shall be established that they are, not by chicane, but manifestly and in truth, debtors to the fisc, they pay, without any diminution, the sum which is reasonably demanded.

[2] Providendum est enim, ne spiritus contumacium personarum publicis rationibus aliquod videatur afferre dispendium. qui vero minus intentata cognoscunt, ad iudicium competens te imminente conveniant, ut quod aequitati congruit, utrarumque partium allegatione recognita salvis legibus impleatur.

[2] For provision must be made, lest the spirit of contumacious persons seem to bring any loss to the public accounts. But those who are less cognizant of matters not yet attempted in court should, with you supervising, come together to the competent judgment, so that what accords with equity, once the allegation of both parties has been reviewed, may be carried out with the laws preserved.

XXXII. BRANDILAE THEODERICUS REX.

32. THEODERIC THE KING TO BRANDILA.

[1] Adiit nos innumeris vicibus Patzenis repetita conquestio, qui cum esset in expeditione felicissima constitutus, a Procula coniuge tua uxorem suam asseruit trina fuisse caede laceratam, ita ut solo beneficio desperationis evaderet, cum non plagis fessa, sed iam crederetur extincta. hanc nos, si tamen vera est, in femina quam maxima mirantes audaciam, transire non patimur impunitam.

[1] The repeated complaint of Patzenis has come to us innumerable times, who, when he was situated in a most felicitous expedition, asserted that his wife was lacerated by a triple slaughter by Procula, your spouse, so that she escaped solely by the boon of being despaired of, since she was not wearied by wounds, but was now believed extinct. This deed, if indeed it is true, we, marveling at the very great audacity in a woman, do not permit to pass unpunished.

[2] Atque ideo decretis te praesentibus ammonemus, ut, si factum evidenter agnoscis, delatam querimoniam, pudori tuo consulens, maritali districtione redarguas, quatenus ex eadem causa ad nos querela iusta non redeat. et legibus noveris resecari posse, quod te oportuerat domestica districtione corrigere.

[2] And therefore by these present decrees we admonish you, that, if you clearly recognize the deed, having regard for your own honor, you answer the delated complaint with marital strictness, so that from the same cause a just complaint may not return to us. And know that by the laws that can be cut off which it had behooved you to correct by domestic strictness.

[3] Quod si mendacium magis petitoris accusans causam dicere fortasse volueris, summoto dilationis obstaculo ad comitatum nostrum cum supra dicta coniuge tua incunctanter occurre, exceptura aut de iniqua praesumptione vindictam aut de mulieris improbitate victoriam.

[3] But if, accusing rather the petitioner’s mendacity, you should perhaps wish to plead the case, with the obstacle of dilatio removed, hasten without delay to our comitatus with your aforesaid spouse, awaiting either vengeance for iniquitous presumption or victory on account of the woman’s improbity.

XXXIII. VVILITANCO DUCI THEODERICUS REX.

33. THEODERIC THE KING TO DUKE WILITANCUS.

[1] Gravis est Patzenis clementiae nostrae sensibus intimata conquestio. qui se in expeditione Gallica constituto in eum Brandilam prosiluisse testatur excessum, ut uxorem eius Reginam proprio sociandam duceret esse coniugio et in iniuriam nostrorum temporum adulterium simulata matrimonii fuerit lege commissum. haec nos, si vera sunt, transire nequaquam patimur impunita.

[1] A serious complaint has been intimated to the sensibilities of our clemency by Patzenis, who attests that, when he was stationed on the Gallic expedition, Brandila burst forth into an outrage against him, in that he deemed that his wife Regina should be joined to his own marriage, and that, to the injury of our times, adultery was committed under the simulated law of matrimony. These things, if they are true, we by no means allow to pass unpunished.

nam quando affectus tutos quis habeat, si tunc sceleri subiacebit, cum pro omnium salute pugnaverit?

for when could anyone have his affections secure, if he will be subject to crime even then, when he has fought for the safety of all?

[2] Respicite, impudicae, gementium turturum castissimum genus: quod, si a copula sua fuerit casu intercedente divisum, perpetua se abstinentiae lege constringit: gratiam coniunctionis non repetit, quam reliquit: fidem servat, dum laudem pudoris ignoret, et moribus studere deprehenditur, quod nulla viduitatis gloriatur conversatione.

[2] Look upon, you shameless ones, the most chaste kind of mourning turtle-doves: which, if by some intervening chance it has been parted from its own mate, binds itself by a perpetual law of abstinence: it does not resume the grace of union which it abandoned: it keeps faith, while it is ignorant of the praise of modesty, and is found to be devoted to morals, in that it vaunts no conversation of widowhood.

[3] Mulierum se, pro dolor! vota continere nequeunt, quibus castitatem ratio persuadet, poena legis imponit, terror maritalis extorquet. perierunt profecto mores, si nec illis comparari possunt, quae ratione carentia temperantur.

[3] The desires of women, alas!, cannot keep themselves in check—women for whom reason persuades chastity, the penalty of the law imposes it, and marital terror extorts it. Morals have indeed perished, if they cannot even be compared to those which, lacking reason, are restrained.

et ideo sublimitas tua impetitos ad suum faciat examen occurrere et rerum veritate discussa, sicut iura nostra praecipiunt, in adulteros maritorum favore resecetur, quia defensorem rei publicae redire noluerunt qui scelerata praesumptione coniuncti sunt.

and therefore let your Sublimity cause those proceeded against to present themselves for their own examination, and, with the truth of the matter having been discussed, as our laws prescribe, let punishment be exacted against adulterers with the favor of the husbands, because those who have been conjoined by wicked presumption were unwilling to return to the defender of the commonwealth.

[4] Confundi sine dubio desideraverunt omnia, qui temptaverunt legibus inimica. sed melius est paucorum damno malorum corrigatur intentio, quia omne matrimonium, quod absit, incertum relinquitur, si in tanta reverentia sine aliquo terrore peccetur.

[4] They have without doubt desired that all things be confounded, who have attempted things inimical to the laws. But it is better that, by the penalty of a few, the intention of the wicked be corrected, because all matrimony—God forbid—is left uncertain, if in a matter of such reverence sin be committed without any terror.

XXXIIII. ABUNDANTIO PPO THEODERICUS REX.

34. THEODERIC THE KING TO ABUNDANTIUS, PRAETORIAN PREFECT.

[1] Frontosum sui nominis testem frequenti nobis insinuatione suggestum est pecuniae publicae decoxisse non minimam quantitatem. quem a diversis iudicibus fecimus iusta examinatione perquiri, ne forsitan, ut assolet, eum non veritas, sed infamaret invidia. ille omnia confessus reddere se posse constituit.

[1] It has been suggested to us by frequent insinuation that Frontosus, a witness to his own name, has become insolvent for no small quantity of public money. Him we caused to be sought out by various judges through a just examination, lest perhaps, as is wont, not truth but envy should defame him. He, having confessed everything, resolved that he could repay.

si ei largae praeberentur indutiae: quibus frequenter emensis immemor prommisionis suae ad constituta semper imparatus occurrit, fugere quidem nescius, sed suae sponsionis ignarus, obliviosus cum relinquitur, trepidus cum tenetur. mutat verba, variat constituta nec in una dicti sui qualitate contentus diversis imaginibus immutatur.

if liberal reprieves were afforded to him: after frequently having passed through them he, forgetful of his promise, always comes to the appointed times unprepared—indeed a stranger to flight, but ignorant of his own pledge, forgetful when he is left, trembling when he is held. he changes his words, he varies the appointments, and not content with one form of his own statement, he is transmuted with diverse images.

[2] Merito chamaeleonti bestiae conferendus, quae parvorum serpentium formae consimilis aureo tantum capite et reliquis membris subalbentis prasini colore distinguitur. haec quotiens humanos aspectus incurrerit, dum ei fugiendi velocitas denegatur, nimia timiditate confusa colores suos multifaria qualitate commutat, ut modo veneta, modo blattea, modo prasina, modo possit cyanea reperiri. unde mirum est in una superficie tot diversa conspicere.

[2] Deservedly to be compared to the chameleon-beast, which, similar to the form of small serpents, is distinguished by a golden head only and by the rest of its limbs, somewhat whitish, with a prasin (leek-green) color. Whenever this creature incurs human gazes, since the velocity of fleeing is denied to it, confounded by excessive timidity it changes its own colors with a multifarious quality, so that now venetian (sea-blue), now blattean (purple-scarlet), now prasin, now cyanean may be found. Whence it is a wonder to behold so many diverse things on one surface.

[3] Quam non immerito pandiae gemmae dicimus esse consimilem, in qua unus se fulgor non potest continere: fluctuat aspectibus tremulis, dum lapis teneatur immobilis. nam quod modo videris, mox aliud ibi, si amplius intuearis, advertis: sic mutatum credis, quod neminem eripuisse cognoscis.

[3] Which we not undeservedly say is similar to the Pandia gem, in which a single splendor cannot contain itself: it fluctuates with tremulous aspects, while the stone is held immobile. For what you have just seen, soon you notice something else there, if you gaze more intently: thus you think it changed, though you know that no one has snatched anything away.

[4] His permutationibus aestimatis mens Frontosi simillima reperitur, quae dicti sui non habet fidem, quae tot varietates continet quot verba protulerit: Protei fabulis iure sociandus, qui subito comprehensus substantiae suae formam omnimodis non habebat. nam ut celaret hominem, aut leo frendebat aut sibilabat anguis aut in undas liquidas solvebatur.

[4] With these permutations estimated, the mind of Frontosus is found most similar, which has no credence for its own dictum, which contains as many varieties as the words he has brought forth: to be rightly associated with the fables of Proteus, who, when suddenly seized, in no way had the form of his substance. For, in order to hide himself from the man, either as a lion he gnashed, or as a serpent he hissed, or he was dissolved into liquid waves.

[5] Et quia sic notus est, cum facies ad tuum venire iudicium, primum agito, ne promittat, caveto ne constituat, quia levissimi animi mos est polliceri facile quae non disponit implere. quicquid autem persolvere considerata aequitate potuerit, constrictus sine aliqua dilatione iam reddat, quia post tot falsitates argutiae suae reputare poterit, quod se frequenter illusisse cognoscit.

[5] And because he is known thus, when you bring him to come before your judgment, first see to it that he not promise; beware that he not make a stipulation, since it is the habit of a most frivolous mind to promise easily things which he does not intend to fulfill. Whatever, however, he will have been able to pay in full, with equity considered, let him, being constrained, now render without any delay, because after so many falsities of his quibbling he will be able to reckon that he recognizes he has frequently deluded himself.

XXXV. LIVVIRIT COMITI ET AMPELIO V. I. THEODERICUS REX.

35. THEODERIC THE KING TO LIVVIRIT THE COUNT AND AMPELIUS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Cum pro incerti temporis eventu Romanas aedes inopia facie castigata pulsaret et quamvis rare, tamen tam pulchrae civitati videretur esse foedissima, aequum iudicavimus Hispaniae triticeas illi copias exhibere, ut antiquum vectigal sub nobis felicior Roma reciperet. iussis quidem nostris viri spectabilis Marciani laude digna servivit industria: sed parum diligenter impleta sunt, quae constat optime fuisse procurata. ii enim, qui portanda susceperant, morarum taedia non ferentes destinatum frumentum in Africae partibus pro suo dicuntur vendidisse compendio.

[1] When, in consequence of the event of an uncertain time, scarcity, with a chastened face, was knocking at the Roman dwellings, and although rare, yet seemed most foul to so fair a city, we judged it equitable to furnish to it the wheat-stores of Spain, so that Rome, more fortunate under us, might recover the ancient tribute. To our commands, indeed, the industry of Marcianus, a man of Spectabilis rank, rendered service worthy of praise; but those things which are agreed to have been most excellently procured were fulfilled too negligently. For those who had undertaken the things to be carried, not bearing the tedium of delays, are said to have sold the destined grain in the parts of Africa for their own profit.

[2] Quod quamvis inultum minime transire debuisset, ut amor proprii commodi tot populorum ieiuna vota suspenderet, tamen quia nobis insitum est culpas remittere, quas possumus cauta ordinatione corrigere, Catellum et Servandum viros strenuos credidimus esse dirigendos, ut, quia naucleri ducentos octoginta solidos in triticum et in naulis septingentos quinquaginta octo solidos accepisse perhibentur, si apud vos facti veritas innotescit, in summam ratione collecta, ab eis mille triginta octo solidorum quantitas inferatur, ut, qui vindictam remisimus, damna minime sentiamus. in qua parte ita se sublimitas vestra diligenter impendat, ut et iustitiae et publicis utilitatibus satisfecisse videatur.

[2] Although this ought by no means to have passed unavenged, that the love of one’s own advantage should suspend the hungry prayers of so many peoples, nevertheless, because it is inborn in us to remit faults which we can correct by cautious ordination, we have thought that Catellus and Servandus, strenuous men, should be sent, so that, since the shipmasters are reported to have received 280 solidi for the wheat and 758 solidi for the freight-charges, if the truth of the deed becomes known with you, with the reckoning gathered into a sum, from them a quantity of 1,038 solidi be exacted, so that we, who have remitted vengeance, may in no wise feel losses. In which matter let Your Sublimity bestow itself so diligently that it may appear to have satisfied both justice and public utilities.

XXXVI. STARCEDIO V. S. THEODERICUS REX.

36. THEODERIC THE KING TO STARCEDIUS, A DISTINGUISHED MAN.

[1] Continuatis laboribus attritum corpus debilitatem tibi causaris attulisse membrorum, ut, qui ante bellicis fueras aptus insignibus, nunc vel ad otiosam vitam vix idoneus approberis: expetens, ut ad expeditiones felicissimas non cogaris, a quibus non voto, sed necessitate subduceris. atque ideo allegationibus tuis diutius perquisitis et ad rerum fidem deductis otium tibi non ignobile praesenti iussione largimur, quia non est ignaviae culpa, quem excusat miseranda calamitas.

[1] You allege that a body worn down by continuous labors has brought upon you a debility of the limbs, such that you, who before had been apt for warlike insignia, are now scarcely approved as even fit for an idle life: seeking that you not be compelled to the most felicitous expeditions, from which you withdraw not by vow, but by necessity. And therefore, your allegations having been more fully investigated and brought down to the credibility of the facts, we grant to you by this present injunction a leisure not ignoble, since it is no fault of ignavia in him whom a pitiable calamity excuses.

[2] Sed sicut tibi remissam vitam concedimus, ita te donativo praesenti auctoritate privamus, quia non est aequum, ut, cum de tuo cognoscaris idoneus, rem laborantium accipere debeas otiosus. fruere igitur secura vita a diversorum insidiis nostro munimine liberatus. nec aliquis tibi imputabit desertoris opprobrium, quando illi, quos contigerit a militia morbi causa suspendi, ex prioribus factis habendi sunt iure reverendi.

[2] But just as we grant to you a remitted life, so by the present authority we deprive you of the donative, because it is not equitable that, since you are known to be adequate on your own, you, being idle, should receive the emolument of those laboring. Enjoy therefore a secure life, freed by our protection from the ambushes of sundry persons. Nor will anyone charge you with the opprobrium of a deserter, since those whom it has befallen to be suspended from military service for reason of illness are by right to be held reverend on account of their prior deeds.

nec enim dignus est a quoquam redargui, qui nostro iudicio meretur absolvi.

for he is not worthy to be reproved by anyone, who in our judgment merits to be absolved.

XXXVII. IUDAEIS MEDIOLANENSIBUS THEODERICUS REX.

37. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE JEWS OF MILAN.

[1] Libenter annuimus quae sine legum iniuria postulantur, maxima cum pro servanda civilitate nec illis sunt neganda beneficia iustitiae, qui adhuc in fide noscuntur errare. atque ideo discant rerum bonarum suavissimum saporem, ut, qui humanam iustitiam nituntur quaerere, sollicitius incipiant divina iudicia cogitare.

[1] We gladly assent to those things which are requested without injury to the laws, especially since, for preserving civility, the benefits of justice are not to be denied even to those who are still known to err in the faith. And therefore let them learn the most sweet savor of good things, so that they who strive to seek human justice may more solicitously begin to think upon divine judgments.

[2] Proinde quoniam nonnullorum vos frequenter causamini praesumptione laceratos et quae ad synagogam vestram pertinent perhibetis iura rescindi, opitulabitur vobis mansuetudinis nostrae postulata tuitio, quatenus nullus ecclesiasticus, quae synagogae vestrae iure competunt, violentia intercedente pervadat nec vestris se causis importuna acerbitate permisceat, sed ut religionis cultu, ita et actuum sint conversatione discreti: hac tamen moderatione principalis auxilii beneficium concedentes, ut nec vos quod ad praefatae ecclesiae ius vel religiosas certe personas legibus pertinere constiterit, inciviliter attrectare temptetis.

[2] Therefore, since you frequently complain that you have been harassed by the presumption of certain persons, and you allege that the rights which pertain to your synagogue are being rescinded, the protection requested of our clemency will aid you, to the extent that no ecclesiastic, violence intervening, shall invade those things which by right belong to your synagogue, nor shall he entangle himself in your causes with inopportune harshness; but as they are distinct in the worship of religion, so too let them be separate in the conduct of their acts: yet granting the benefit of this princely aid with this moderation, that you also do not attempt uncivilly to handle what shall have been established by the laws to pertain either to the right of the aforesaid church or assuredly to religious persons.

[3] Tricennalis autem humano generi patrona praescriptio eo, quo cunctis, vobis iure servabitur nec commodalia vos irrationabiliter praecipimus sustinere dispendia, ut hac pietatis nostrae defensione muniti petitio vestra ab illicitis se liberatam gratuletur incommodis. concedimus quidem clementiae nostrae consuetudine quae rogastis: sed quid, Iudaee, supplicans temporalem quietem quaeris, si aeternam requiem invenire non possis?

[3] The thirty-year prescription, moreover, the patron-protectress of the human race, will by right be observed for you in the same way as for all; nor do we irrationally enjoin you to sustain losses of your advantages, so that, fortified by this defense of our piety, your petition may rejoice that it has been freed from unlawful inconveniences. We do grant, indeed, by the custom of our clemency, the things you have asked: but why, Jew, as a suppliant do you seek temporal quiet, if you cannot find eternal rest?

XXXVIII. UNIVERSIS POSSESSORIBUS THEODERICUS REX.

38. THEODERIC THE KING TO ALL POSSESSORS.

[1] Ammonet nos formarum cura praecipua, ut quae possunt noxie crescere, debeamus celerius amputare, quatenus et soliditas aquaeductus deo auxiliante incorrupta servetur et vobis leve sit opus, quod in teneris arboribus adhibetur. nam quae nunc virgulta sunt, erunt, si neglegantur, et robora. ista enim quae modo facili avulsione dirimuntur, postea vix securibus icta succumbunt.

[1] A preeminent care for the forms admonishes us that we ought to cut off more swiftly the things that can grow noxiously, to the end that both the solidity of the aqueduct, with God aiding, may be kept incorrupt, and that the work be light for you, such as is applied to tender trees. For what are now little twigs will, if they are neglected, even become oaks. For those things which now are parted by an easy tearing-away afterward scarcely yield, even when smitten by axes.

atque ideo sociata debetis properatione contendere, ut praesenti diligentia futuri laboris evadatis incommoda. haec est enim civilis eversio, sine oppugnatione discidium, aries, ut ita dixerim, fabricarum.

and therefore you ought to contend with associated haste, so that by present diligence you may evade the incommodities of future labor. for this is a civil eversion, a sundering without assault, the battering-ram, so to speak, of structures.

[2] Quapropter omnem silvam, quae parietibus inimica consurgit, de Ravennati forma iubemus radicitus amputari, ut signini alvei reparata constructio talem nobis deducat liquorem, qualem potuit a fontibus suscipere puritatem. tunc erit exhibitio decora thermarum, tunc piscinae vitreis fontibus fluctuabunt: tunc erit quae diluat aqua, non inquinet, post quam lavari continuo non sit necesse. additur etiam quod, si ad potandum unda suavis influxerit, omnia nostro victui redduntur accepta, quando humanae vitae nullus cibus gratus efficitur, ubi aquarum dulcium perspicuitas non habetur.

[2] Wherefore we order all the woodland, which rises up hostile to the walls, to be amputated root-and-branch from the Ravennate aqueduct, so that the repaired construction of the Signine channel-bed may conduct to us such a liquid as it could receive in purity from the fountains. Then the exhibition of the baths will be decorous, then the pools will ripple with vitreous springs: then the water will be that which rinses, not pollutes, after which it will not be necessary to be washed again immediately. It is added also that, if for drinking a pleasant wave shall have flowed in, all things are rendered acceptable to our nourishment, since for human life no food is made pleasing where the clarity of sweet waters is not had.

nam si lavari cupimus purissimis liquoribus, quanto magis satiari talibus festinamus? quae si nunc futura tractentur, nulli labor facit taedium, qui sumitur pro delectatione cunctorum.

for if we desire to be washed with most pure liquids, how much more do we hasten to be satiated by such? and if the things of the future are handled now, labor causes tedium to no one, since it is undertaken for the delectation of all.

XXXVIIII. AMPELIO V. I. ET LIVVIRIT V. S. THEODERICUS REX.

39. THEODERIC THE KING TO AMPELIUS, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, AND LIVVIRIT, A MOST NOTABLE MAN.

[1] Decet provincias regno nostro deo auxiliante subiectas legibus et bonis moribus ordinari, quia illa vita vere hominum est, quae iuris ordine continetur. nam beluarum ritus est sub casu vivere: quae dum rapiendi ambitu feruntur, inprovisa temeritate succumbunt. agrum suum denique a dumosis sentibus doctus purgat agricola, quia laus excolentis est, si agreste solum dulcissimis fructibus amoenetur.

[1] It befits that the provinces subjected to our kingdom, with God aiding, be ordered by laws and good mores, because that is truly the life of human beings which is contained by the order of law. For it is the rite of beasts to live under chance: which, while they are carried along by the ambition of snatching, succumb to unforeseen rashness. Finally, the skilled farmer clears his field from thorny brambles, because it is the praise of the cultivator if the wild soil is made delightful with the sweetest fruits.

sic quies suavissima populi et dispositio tranquilla regionum praeconium probatur esse regnantum.

thus the most sweet quiet of the people and the tranquil disposition of the regions is proved to be the proclamation of those who reign.

[2] Multorum itaque querela comperimus in provincia Hispaniae, quod summum inter mortales crimen est, vitas hominum vaga praesumptione populari et levium occasione causarum subire multos interitum. sic mala pace quasi ludo corruunt, quanti vix potuissent cadere sub necessitate bellorum. dehinc non polyptychis publicis, ut moris est, sed arbitrio compulsorum suggeruntur provincialium subiacere fortunae.

[2] Therefore by the complaint of many we have learned in the province of Hispania that—what is the highest crime among mortals—the lives of men, through vagrant popular presumption and on the occasion of light causes, many undergo destruction. Thus in an evil peace they collapse as if in a game, as many as could scarcely have fallen under the necessity of wars. Then not to the public polyptychs, as is the custom, but at the arbitrium of those compelling them, the fortunes of the provincials are made to lie subjected.

quod genus evidentis est praedae pro illius voluntate dare, qui ad suum commodum amplius festinat exigere.

which sort of evident prey it is, to give according to that man’s will who hastens to exact more for his own commodity.

[3] Cui rei nos regali providentia succurrere cupientes sublimitatem vestram per universam Hispaniam loco muneris credidimus destinandam, ut sub ordinationis vestrae novitate inveteratae possit consuetudini nil licere. verum ut more medicorum saevioribus morbis accelerata remedia tribuamus, inde curationis nostrae fiat initium, ubi maius noscitur esse periculum.

[3] To this matter, we, desiring to succor by regal providence, have judged that your Sublimity should be appointed throughout all Spain in the capacity of an office, so that, under the novelty of your ordination, nothing may be permitted to the inveterate consuetude. But, that in the manner of physicians we may bestow accelerated remedies upon the more severe diseases, let the inception of our curation be made from that quarter where the greater peril is known to be.

[4] Homicidii scelus legum iubemus auctoritate resecari: sed quantum vehementior poena est, tanto eius rei debet inquisitio plus haberi, ne amore vindictae innocentes videantur vitae pericula sustinere. pereant itaque soli nocentes in correctione multorum, quando et hoc pietatis genus est coercere infantiam criminis, ne iuvenescat augmentis.

[4] We order that the crime of homicide be excised by the authority of the laws: but the more vehement the penalty is, by so much the more ought inquiry into the matter to be conducted, lest, out of love of vengeance, the innocent seem to undergo dangers to life. Let, therefore, the guilty alone perish for the correction of the many, since this too is a kind of piety: to coerce the infancy of crime, lest it grow to youth by augmentations.

[5] Exigentes vero assem publicum per gravamina ponderum premere dicuntur patrimonia possessorum, ut non tam exactio quam praeda esse videatur. sed ut totius fraudis abrogetur occasio, ad libram cubiculi nostri, quae vobis in praesenti data est, universas functiones publicas iubemus inferri. quid enim tam nefarium quam praesumptoribus liceat in ipsa etiam trutinae qualitate peccare, ut quod est iustitiae proprie datum, hoc per fraudes noscatur esse corruptum?

[5] Those exacting the public as are said to press down the patrimonies of possessors by the burdens of weights, so that it seems not so much an exaction as a plunder. But, that the occasion of the whole fraud be abrogated, we order that all public functions (dues) be brought to the balance of our privy chamber, which has been given to you at present. For what is so nefarious as that the presumptuous be permitted to sin even in the very calibration of the scale, so that what is given as proper to justice is known to be corrupted through frauds?

[6] Conductores domus regiae, quacumque gente sint editi, ad liquidum veritate discussa tantum decernimus solvere, quantum nostra praedia constiterit pensitare. et ne cuiquam labor suus videatur ingratus, solaria eis pro qualitate locatae rei vestra volumus aequitate constitui. non enim nostra, sed illorum rura dicenda sunt, si pro voluntate conducentis modus eveniat pensionis.

[6] The lessees of the royal house, of whatever nation they be born, we decree to pay—once the truth has been examined to a clear account—only as much as our estates shall be established to assess. and, lest anyone’s labor seem ungrateful, we wish solaria payments for them to be set by your equity according to the quality of the thing leased. for the fields are not to be called ours, but theirs, if the measure of the payment should eventuate according to the will of the lessee.

[7] Transmarinorum igitur canonem, ubi non parva fraus fieri utilitatibus publicis intimatur, vos attonite iubemus exquirere atque statutum numerum pro virium qualitate definire, quia contra fraudes utile remedium est nosse quod inferant.

[7] Therefore, as to the assessment of the transmarines, where no small fraud is intimated to be done to the public revenues, we command you earnestly to inquire and to define a fixed number according to the quality of their means, because against frauds it is a useful remedy to know what they bring in.

[8] Monetarios autem, quos specialiter in usum publicum constat inventos, in privatorum didicimus transisse compendium. qua praesumptione sublata pro virium qualitate functionibus publicis applicentur.

[8] As for the moneyers, who are established to have been devised specially for public use, we have learned that they have passed over into the profit of private persons. With this presumption removed, let them be applied to public functions in proportion to their powers.

[9] Telonei quinetiam canonem nulla faciatis usurpatione confundi, sed modum rebus utillimum, quem praestare debeat, imponentes commerciandi licentiam aequabili ratione revocate, ne se tendat in vagum ambitiosa enormitas exigentium.

[9] Moreover, do not by any usurpation allow the canon of the toll to be confounded, but, imposing the measure most useful to affairs, which it ought to furnish, recall the license of trading by an equitable rationale, lest the ambitious enormity of the exactors stretch itself into the vague.

[10] Actus praeterea Laeti, cuius conscientia summa pulsatur invidia, sub consueta nobis censemus aequitate perquiri, ut nec fraus astutis machinationibus occulatur nec innocentia falsis criminationibus ingravetur.

[10] Moreover, we judge that the conduct of Laetus, whose conscience is struck by the highest envy, be thoroughly inquired under the equity accustomed to us, so that neither fraud be concealed by astute machinations nor innocence be burdened by false criminations.

[11] Quoscumque vero in furtivis actionibus reperitis fuisse versatos, pro fortunarum quantitate suppressam reddant vestra aestimatione pecuniam. quod si haec per alios dispersa esse constiterit, et illi nihilominus teneantur obnoxii qui scientes passi sunt in tali actione misceri: complices enim extiterunt criminis, qui non detexerunt facta raptoris.

[11] But whomever you have found to have been engaged in furtive actions, let them, in proportion to the amount of their fortunes, restore the suppressed money at your estimation. But if it be established that these things were dispersed through others, those also are nonetheless to be held liable who knowingly allowed themselves to be mixed in such an action: for accomplices of the crime have they become, who did not expose the deeds of the plunderer.

[12] Praebendarum tenor adscriptus, quem nostra diversis largitur humanitas, provincialibus suggeritur intolerabilis causa esse damnorum, quando et in species exigitur et impudenter eius pretium postulatur. detestabilis cupiditatis sunt ista documenta competentia sibi distrahere et ad exigendi impudentiam mox redire. quod nimis improbum, nimis videtur absurdum, ut et nostra constituta praetereant et tributariorum, qui fovendi sunt, videantur afflixisse substantiam.

[12] The enrolled tenor of the prebends, which our humanity grants in diverse kinds, is reported to be for the provincials an intolerable cause of damages, since it is both exacted in species and, impudently, its price is demanded. These are proofs of detestable cupidity: to sell off to themselves the things that are competent, and forthwith to return to the impudence of exaction. Which seems exceedingly wicked, exceedingly absurd, that they both overstep our constitutions and seem to have afflicted the substance of the tributaries, who are to be fostered.

sint igitur praefixo modo contenti, sive ibidem positi, sive hinc nihilominus destinati: habeant liberum unum tantum de duobus expetere, dummodo geminata exactione fortunae alienas non debeant ingravare.

Let them therefore be content with the prefixed manner, whether posted in that same place or nevertheless dispatched from here: let it be free for them to demand only one of the two, provided that by a doubled exaction they ought not to aggravate others’ fortunes.

[13] Exactorum quoque licentia amplius fertur a provincialibus extorqueri, quam nostro cubiculo constat inferri. quod diligenti examinatione discussum ad hunc vos modum functiones publicas revocare decernimus, quem Alarici atque Eurici temporibus constat illatas.

[13] The license of the collectors also is reported to be extorting more from the provincials than is known to be brought into our chamber. This, having been sifted by diligent examination, we decree to recall the public levies to this measure, which is known to have been in force in the times of Alaric and Euric.

[14] Paraveredorum itaque subvectiones exigere eos, qui habent veredos adscriptos, provincialium querela comperimus. quod nullum penitus sinatis praesumere, quando per turpissimos quaestus et possessor atteritur et commeantium celeritas impeditur.

[14] Therefore from the complaint of the provincials we have learned that those who have post-horses (veredi) enrolled are exacting the conveyances of the auxiliary post-horses (paraveredi). Do not at all allow anyone to presume this, since through most disgraceful profiteering both the possessor is worn down and the celerity of those traveling is impeded.

[15] Vilicorum quoque genus, quod ad damnosam tuitionem queruntur inventum, tam de privata possessione quam publica funditus volumus amoveri, quia non est defensio, quae praestatur invitis: suspectum est quod patiuntur nolentes. nam hoc est re vera beneficium, si sine murmure feratur acceptum. servitia igitur quae Gothis in civitate positis superflue praestabantur, docernimus amoveri.

[15] The class of stewards as well, which they complain was invented for ruinous tutelage, we wish to be removed utterly both from private possession and from the public, because that is not a defense which is furnished to the unwilling: what the unwilling suffer is suspect. For this is in truth a benefit, if it is borne as accepted without murmuring. Therefore the services which were being provided superfluously to the Goths posted in the city, we decree to be removed.

non enim decet ab ingenuis famulatum quaerere, quos misimus pro libertate pugnare.

For it is not fitting to seek servitude from the freeborn, whom we sent to fight for liberty.

XL. CYPRIANO COMITI SACRARUM THEODERICUS REX.

40. THEODERIC THE KING TO CYPRIANUS, COUNT OF THE SACRED LARGESSES.

[1] Quamvis ultra desideria supplicum frequenter nos praestitisse beneficia gaudeamus et, quod est difficillimum, humanae ambitionis interdum vota superemus, haec tamen libentius amplectimur, quae nos merito fecisse gloriamur. diu quippe trutinandus est, cui traduntur examina, talisque debet a principe deligi, qualis ab ipsa potest lege dictari. gemmarum divites venae auri fulgore pretiantur et gratiam pulchritudinis capiunt, quia nulla degeneri vicinitate sordescunt.

[1] Although we rejoice that we have frequently bestowed benefits beyond the desires of suppliants and—what is most difficult—that at times we surpass the vows of human ambition, yet we more willingly embrace those which we glory to have done deservedly. For he to whom the balances are entrusted must long be weighed, and such a man ought to be chosen by the prince as can be dictated by the law itself. The rich veins of gems are appraised by the splendor of gold and take on the grace of beauty, because they are not stained by any degenerate neighborhood.

[2] Sic bone merita splendidis dignitatibus sociata alternis praeconiis adiuvantur et unius rei facies de adiuncta venustate pulchrescit: non enim de te aliquid redemptae laudi aut loquaci famae credidimus, qui nobis spectantibus saepe placuisti. interpellantium siquidem confuses querelas distincta nimis ac lucida relatione narrabas, et qui proprios dolores expromere non poterant, tuis commendati allegationibus obtinebant, et ne favoris alicuius putaretur excessus, desideria supplicum ipsis praesentibus intimabas.

[2] Thus good deserts, when associated with splendid dignities, are aided by reciprocal proclamations, and the face of a single thing grows fairer from the beauty adjoined: for we have not credited anything about you to purchased praise or to loquacious fame, you who have often pleased under our own eyes. For indeed you were narrating the interpellators’ confused complaints with an exceedingly distinct and lucid relation, and those who could not express their own pains, commended by your allegations, prevailed; and, lest any excess of favor be thought, you would intimate the desires of the suppliants, they themselves being present.

[3] Ori tuo altercantium desideria convenerunt et, quod difficillimum gratiae genus est, alternae parti indiscreta laude placuisti, quae res ipsos oratores quoque postponit. nam cum illis sit propositum diu tractata unius partis vota dicere, tibi semper necesse fuit repentinum negotium utroque latere declarare. additur etiam regalis praesentiae geniatissimum pondus, sub quo te ita facile contigit expeditum, ut quod illi vix possunt artificiosis schematibus a iudicibus obtinere, tu probareris a principe puris allegationibus impetrare.

[3] To your lips the desires of those in altercation converged, and, which is the most difficult kind of favor, you pleased the opposing party with impartial praise— a thing that sets even the orators themselves in the second place. For while it is their plan to speak long-pondered petitions for one side, it was always necessary for you to declare a sudden case on both sides. There is added also the most benignant weight of regal presence, under which it befell that you were so readily unencumbered, that what they can scarcely obtain from judges by artificial schemata, you were shown to procure from the prince by pure allegations.

[4] Erat nimirum serenitatis nostrae in bonum publicum parata sententia, quia nullam tarditatem in cognoscendo negotio sustinebat. mox enim a te narrata causa conspecta est, et cur tardaret negotii finis, cum tu suggestionem lucida brevitate concluderes? didicisti, ut credimus, iudicare nostris serviendo iudiciis: ita, quod efficacissimum discipulatus genus est, agendo potius instructus es quam legendo.

[4] Clearly the decision of our serenity was prepared for the public good, because it tolerated no tardity in recognizing the business. For soon the cause narrated by you was brought under view; and why should the end of the business delay, since you were concluding your suggestion with lucid brevity? You learned, as we believe, to judge by serving our judgments: thus, which is the most efficacious kind of discipleship, you were instructed by acting rather than by reading.

[5] Talibus igitur institutis edoctus Eoae sumpsisti legationis officium, missus ad summae quidem peritiae viros: sed nulla inter eos confusus es trepidatione, quia nihil tibi post nos potuit esse mirabile. instructus enim trifariis linguis non tibi Graecia quod novum ostentaret invenit nec ipsa, qua nimium praevalet, te transcendit argutia.

[5] Thus, taught by such institutes, you took up the office of an Eastern legation, sent to men indeed of the highest expertise: but you were confused by no trepidation among them, because after us nothing could be marvelous to you. For, instructed in three tongues, Greece found nothing to display to you as new, nor did the very arguteness, wherein it prevails excessively, surpass you.

[6] Accessit meritis tuis cunctis laudibus pretiosior fides, quam divina diligunt, mortalia venerantur. nam inter mundi fluctuantes procellas unde se humana fragilitas contineret, si nostris actibus mentis firmitas non adesset? haec inter socios amicitiam servat, haec dominis pura integritate famulatur, haec supernae maiestati reverentiam piae credulitatis impendit et, si beneficium tantae rei latius quaeras, incommutabilis fidei est omne quod bene vivitur.

[6] To your merits there was added a faith more precious than all praises, which the divine love, mortals venerate. For amid the world’s fluctuating tempests, whence could human frailty keep itself in check, if firmness of mind were not present to our actions? This preserves friendship among companions, this serves masters with pure integrity, this expends upon the supernal Majesty the reverence of pious credence, and, if you seek the benefit of so great a thing more broadly, all that is lived well is of immutable faith.

[7] Sume igitur per indictionem tertiam sacrarum largitionum deo propitio dignitatem. utere congruis tuis natalibus institutis. meruisti hactenus, ut honorum fastigia cederemus: age nunc, ut tibi gratiae nostrae celsiora nihilominus conferamus.

[7] Take therefore, by the third indiction, with God propitious, the dignity of the Sacred Largesses. Make use of the institutes befitting your birth. You have thus far deserved that we cede the pinnacles of honors: come now, that we nonetheless may confer upon you the more lofty of our favor.

XLI. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE THEODERICUS REX.

41. THEODERIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Licet candidatos vobis frequenter genuerit munificentia principalis et fecunda indulgentia nostra vobis altera sit natura, habetis nunc profecto virum, quem et nos elegisse deceat et vos suscepisse conveniat. cui sicut fortunatum fuit a nobis erigi, ita laudabile erit vestro coetui honorum lege sociari. hoc tamen curiae felicius provenit, quod nobis et impolitus tiro militat, illa vero non recipit nisi qui iam dignus honoribus potuerit inveniri.

[1] Although the princely munificence has frequently begotten candidates for you, and our fecund indulgence is to you as a second nature, you now assuredly have a man whom it befits us to have elected and it is fitting for you to have received. For him, just as it was fortunate to be raised up by us, so it will be laudable to be associated with your assembly by the law of honors. This, however, turns out more happily for the curia, in that for us even an unpolished tyro serves as a soldier, whereas it admits no one except one who can already be found worthy of honors.

[2] Convenienter ergo ordo vester aestimatur eximius, qui semper est de probatissimis congregatus. non enim illic profanis reseratur introitus, sed tales illuc permittuntur accedere, quales inde etiam cernuntur exire. suscipite itaque collegam, quem palatia nostra longa examinatione probaverunt: qui regiis ita intrepidus militavit affatibus, ut iussa nostra saepe nobis spectantibus atque laudantibus explicaret.

[2] Accordingly, therefore, your order is esteemed eximious, which has always been assembled from the most approved. For there the entrance is not unbarred to the profane, but such are permitted to accede thither as are also seen to go out from there. Receive, therefore, a colleague whom our palaces have approved by a long examination: who has so intrepidly served in royal addresses that he would often execute our commands with us looking on and commending.

[3] Cognoscitis profecto quae loquimur. quis enim vestrorum a Cypriani devotione summotus est? nam qui solacia eius petiit, mox beneficia nostra suscepit.

[3] You indeed recognize what we are speaking. For who among your number has been removed from the devotion of Cyprian? For he who sought his solaces soon received our benefits.

obtinuit ille saepius in vectationibus nostris, quod in consistoriis agi solebat antiquis. si quando enim relevare libuit animum rei publicae cura fatigatum, equina exercitia petebamus, ut ipsa varietate rerum soliditas se corporis vigorque recrearet. tunc nobis causas multiplices relator delectabilis ingerebat eratque eius infastidita suggestio sub iudicis animo taedioso.

he often obtained during our conveyances what used to be conducted in the ancient consistories. For whenever it pleased us to relieve a mind wearied by the care of the commonwealth, we sought equine exercises, so that by the very variety of things solidity might restore itself and the vigor of the body be refreshed. Then a delightful relator would press upon us manifold causes, and his unjaded suggestion persisted under a judge’s weary spirit.

[4] Ita dum causas praestandi benignus artifex ingerebat, reficiebatur animus beneficiorum aviditate succensus. his igitur adhaesit obsequiis candidatus, qui sic militavit animo nostro, ut nulla eum gravaret offensio. irascebamur saepe causis improbis, nec tamen displicere poterat lingua relatoris: damnabamus interdum negotium, cuius placebat assertor: et impetum nostri animi frequenter sustinuit, qui gratiae momenta possedit.

[4] Thus, while a kindly craftsman kept thrusting in reasons for bestowing, the mind was refreshed, enkindled by an avidity for benefactions. Therefore the candidate clung to these services, who so served our mind that no offense burdened him. We were often angered at improper causes, yet the relator’s tongue could not displease: at times we condemned the case whose advocate pleased; and he frequently withstood the rush of our spirit, who possessed the moments of favor.

[5] Gloriatur etiam non extrema luce natalium. nam pater huic, sicut meministis, Opilio fuit, vir abiectis quidem temporibus, ad excubias tamen palatinas electus. qui multo amplius crescere potuit, nisi fides eius sub avidissima remuneratoris sterilitate iacuisset.

[5] He also glories in no extreme dimness of natal light; for his father, as you remember, was Opilio, a man indeed of abject times, yet chosen for the Palatine watches. He could have grown much further, had not his faithfulness lain under the most greedy barrenness of his rewarder.

quid enim conferre poterat tenuis donator? qui si tamen non ditavit, innotuit, quia magnae abundantia laudis est in penuria rei publicae vel mediocria munera meruisse.

For what could a meager donor confer? Who, if he did not enrich, nevertheless became known, because in the penury of the Republic there is a great abundance of praise for having merited even mediocre gifts.

[6] Vicit iste maiores suos felicitate saeculorum et, quod amplius evectus est, nostris est temporibus applicandum. talis quippe est in subiectis mensura provectuum, qualis fuerit et distantia dominorum. quapropter, patres conscripti, praedictum Cyprianum suis meritis et natalium splendore fulgentem ad sacrarum largitionum culmen eveximus, ut et vester augeatur numerus et incitetur devotio servientum.

[6] He has outdone his ancestors by the felicity of the ages, and, in that he has been borne higher, it is to be ascribed to our times. For such, in subjects, is the measure of promotions as is also the distance of their lords. Wherefore, Conscript Fathers, we have elevated the aforesaid Cyprian, shining with his own merits and with the splendor of his birth, to the summit of the Sacred Largesses, so that both your number may be increased and the devotion of the servants may be incited.

aestimate, reverentissimi patres, quid de vestro ordine senserimus, quando eos, quos vobis aggregandos credimus, multiplici allegatione praedicamus.

Appraise, most reverend fathers, what we have thought concerning your order, since those whom we believe should be aggregated to you we proclaim with manifold allegation.

XLII. MAXIMO V. I. CONSULI THEODERICUS REX.

42. THEODERIC THE KING TO MAXIMUS, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, CONSUL.

[1] Si consularem munificentiam provocant, qui peruncta corporum flexibilitate luctantur: si organo canentibus redditur vicissitudo praemiorum: si venit ad pretium delectabilis cantilena: quo munere venator explendus est, qui ut spectantibus placeat, suis mortibus elaborat? voluptatem praestat sanguine suo et infelici sorte constrictus festinat populo placere, qui eum non optat evadere. actus detestabilis, certamen infelix cum feris velle contendere, quas fortiores se non dubitat invenire.

[1] If those who wrestle with the oiled flexibility of their bodies call forth consular munificence: if to those who play the organ there is rendered a return of rewards: if a delectable cantilena comes for a price: with what gift is the beast-hunter to be satisfied, who, in order to please the onlookers, toils at his own deaths? He furnishes pleasure with his own blood, and, bound by an unlucky lot, he hastens to please the people, who do not wish him to escape. A detestable act, an unhappy contest, to wish to contend with wild beasts, whom he does not doubt he will find stronger than himself.

sola est ergo in fallendo praesumptio, unicum in deceptione solacium.

Therefore, presumption is alone in deceiving, the sole solace in deception.

[2] Qui si feram non mereatur effugere, interdum nec sepulturam poterit invenire: adhuc superstite homine perit corpus et antequam cadaver efficiatur, truculenter absumitur. captus esca fit hosti suo, et illum, pro dolor! satiat quem se perimere posse suspirat.

[2] Who, if he should not merit to escape the wild beast, will sometimes not even be able to find sepulture: while the man is still alive the body perishes, and before it becomes a cadaver, it is truculently consumed. Captured, he becomes food for his enemy, and him—alas!—he satiates, whom he longs with a sigh to be able to slay.

spectaculum tantum fabricis clarum, sed actione deterrimum, in honore Scythicae Dianae repertum, quae sanguinis effusione gaudebat.

a spectacle renowned only for its fabrications, but in action most detestable, devised in honor of Scythian Diana, who rejoiced in the effusion of blood.

[3] O miserae deceptionis errorem illam desiderasse colere, quae hominum morte placabatur! primum sibi per lucos et silvas agrestium populorum vota et venationibus dedita hanc triplicem deam falsa imaginatione finxerunt, ipsam in caelo Lunam, ipsam in silvis dominam, ipsam apud inferos Proserpinam esse firmantes. sed solum Erebi potentem non improbe forsitan aestimarunt, quando tali falsitate decepti in profundas vivi tenebras cum suis erroribus intraverunt.

[3] O error of wretched deception, to have desired to venerate that one who was placated by the death of men! First the rustic peoples, through groves and woods and given over to venations, fashioned for themselves by false imagination this triple goddess, affirming that she herself in heaven was the Moon, she herself in the woods the mistress, she herself among the infernal regions Proserpina. But that she was potent only over Erebus they perhaps did not judge improperly, since, deceived by such falsity, alive they entered into deep darkness with their errors.

[4] Hunc ludum crudelem, sanguinariam voluptatem, impiam religionem, humanam, ut ita dixerim, feritatem Athenienses primum ad civitatis suae perduxere culturam, iustitia permittente divina, ut ad irrisionem spectaculi perveniret, quod falsae religionis ambitus invenisset.

[4] The Athenians first brought this cruel game, this sanguinary pleasure, this impious religion, this human—so to speak—ferity, into the public cult of their city, with divine justice permitting, so that the spectacle which the ambition of false religion had invented might come to derision.

[5] Hoc Titi potentia principalis, divitiarum profuso flumine, cogitavit aedificium fieri, unde caput urbium potuisset. et cum theatrum, quod est hemisphaerium, Graece dicatur, amphitheatrum quasi in unum iuncta duo visoria recte constat esse nominatum: ovi specie eius harenam concludens, ut et currentibus aptum daretur spatium et spectantes omnia facilius viderent, dum quaedam prolixa rotunditas universa collegerat.

[5] By the imperial power of Titus, with a profuse flood of riches, he conceived that a building be made, by which the head of cities could assert itself. And since the theater, which is a hemisphere, is so called in Greek, the amphitheater is rightly understood to have been named as if two viewing-places joined into one: enclosing its arena in the shape of an egg, so that both a suitable space might be given for those running and the spectators might more easily see all things, while a certain extended roundness gathered everything together.

[6] Itur ergo ad talia, quae refugere deberet humanitas. primus fragili ligno confisus currit ad ora beluarum et illud, quod cupit evadere, magno inpetu videtur appetere. pari in se cursu festinant et praedator et praeda nec aliter tutus esse potest, nisi huic, quem vitare cupit, occurrerit.

[6] So it goes to such things which humanity ought to shrink from. the first, confiding in fragile wood, runs to the mouths of beasts, and that which he desires to evade he seems to seek with great impetus. with an equal course toward him both predator and prey hasten, nor otherwise can he be safe, unless he runs headlong into the very one whom he wishes to avoid.

tunc in aere saltu corporis elevato quasi vestes levissimae supinata membra iaciuntur et quidam arcus corporeus supra beluam libratus, dum moras discedendi facit, sub ipso velocitas ferina discedit.

then in the air, with the leap of the body elevated, the supine limbs are cast as if very light garments, and a certain bodily arch, poised above the beast, makes delays of departing, while feral velocity withdraws from right beneath him.

[7] Sic accidit, ut ille magis possit mitior videri, qui probatur illudi: alter angulis in quadrifaria mundi distributione conpositis rotabili facilitate praesumens non discedendo fugit, non se longius faciendo discedit, sequitur insequentem, poplitibus se reddens proximum, ut ora vitet ursorum: ille in tenuen regulam ventre suspensus invitat exitiabilem feram et nisi periclitatus fuerit, nil unde vivere possit adquirit:

[7] Thus it happens that he may be able to seem the milder, who is proved to be being toyed with: another, with corners set in the quadrifarious distribution of the world, presuming on rotary facility, flees by not departing, does not withdraw by making himself farther, follows the pursuer, rendering himself proximate to the hams so as to avoid the mouths of the bears: that one, belly-suspended on a slender rule, invites the death-bringing beast, and unless he shall have risked himself, he acquires nothing whence he can live:

[8] alter se gestabili muro cannarum contra saevissimum animal, ericii exemplo, receptatus includit, qui subito in tergus suum refugiens intra se collectus absconditur et cum nusquam discesserit, eius corpusculum non videtur. nam sicut ille veniente contrario revolutus in sphaeram naturalibus defensatur aculeis, sic iste consutili crate praecinctus munitior redditur fragilitate cannarum.

[8] another, taking refuge, encloses himself within a portable wall of canes against the most savage animal, after the example of the hedgehog, which, suddenly retreating onto its own back and gathered up within itself, hides, and although it has gone away nowhere, its little body is not seen. For just as that creature, when an adversary comes, rolled into a sphere, is defended by its natural aculei (spines), so this one, girded with a sewn lattice, is rendered more fortified by the fragility of the canes.

[9] Alii tribus ut ita dixerim dispositis ostiolis paratam in se rabiem provocare praesumunt, in patenti area cancellosis se postibus occulentes, modo facies, modo terga monstrantes, ut mirum sit evadere quos ita respicis per leonum ungues dentesque volitare.

[9] Others, with three, so to speak, little doorways arranged, presume to provoke against themselves the rage prepared, hiding themselves in the open area behind latticed posts, now showing faces, now backs, so that it is a wonder that those whom you thus behold flitting through the claws and teeth of lions should escape.

[10] Alter labenti rota feris offertur: eadem alter erigitur, ut periculis auferatur. sic haec machina ad infidi mundi formata qualitatem istos spe refovet, illos timore discruciat: omnibus tamen vicissim, ut decipere possit, arridet.

[10] One is offered to the wild beasts by a sliding wheel: by the same another is lifted up, so that he may be removed from perils. Thus this machine, fashioned to the quality of the faithless world, revives these with hope, excruciates those with fear: yet it smiles upon all in turn, so that it may be able to deceive.

[11] Longum est per tot periculorum casus sermonibus evagari. sed apte iungendum est, quod sit de inferis Mantuanus: quis scelerum comprehendere formas, quis omnia poenarum percurrere nomina possit? sed vobis, quibus necesse est talia populis exhibere, largitate manus fundite praemia, ut haec miseris faciatis esse votiva.

[11] It would be long to wander in discourses through so many cases of perils. But it is fitly to be adjoined, what the Mantuan has about the infernal regions: who could comprehend the forms of crimes, who could run through all the names of punishments? But you, to whom it is necessary to exhibit such things to the peoples, with largess of hand pour out prizes, so that you may make these things votive for the wretched.

alioquin violenta conpulsio est sollemnia dona subtrahere et mortes detestabiles imperare.

otherwise, it is a violent compulsion to withdraw the solemn gifts and to impose detestable deaths.

[12] Et ideo quicquid in longam consuetudinem antiqua liberalitate pervenit, sine aliqua dilatione concedite supplicanti, quia homicidii reatus est ills esse tenacem, quos editio vestra invitavit ad mortem. heu mundi error dolendus! si esset ullus aequitatis intuitus, tantae divitiae pro vita mortalium deberent dari, quantae in mortes hominum videntur effundi.

[12] And therefore whatever has come into long custom by ancient liberality, grant to the suppliant without any delay, because it is a charge of homicide to be tightfisted toward those whom your spectacle has invited to death. Alas, the lamentable error of the world! If there were any regard of equity, riches as great ought to be given for the life of mortals as seem to be poured out upon the deaths of men.

XLIII. TRANSIMUNDO REGI VVANDALORUM THEODERICUS REX.

43. THEODERIC THE KING TO TRANSIMUNDUS, KING OF THE VANDALS.

[1] Quamvis a diversis regibus expetiti pro solidanda concordia aut neptes dedimus aut filias deo nobis inspirante coniunximus, nulli tamen aestimamus nos aliquid simile contulisse, quam quod germanam nostram, generis Hamali singulare praeconium, vestrum fecimus esse coniugium: feminam prudentiae vestrae parem, quae non tantum reverenda regno, quantum mirabilis possit esse consilio.

[1] Although, sought by diverse kings for the solidifying of concord, we have either given nieces or, with God inspiring us, have joined daughters in marriage, yet we do not reckon that we have contributed anything similar to this, namely that we have made our own sister—the singular encomium of the Amal stock—to be your union: a woman equal to your prudence, who can be not so much venerable for her kingdom as admirable for her counsel.

[2] Sed stupeo vos his beneficiis obligatos Gesalecum, qui nostris inimicis, dum a nobis foveretur, adiunctus est, in vestram defensionem sic fuisse susceptum, ut qui ad vos viribus destitutus privatusque fortunis venerat, subita pecuniae ubertate conpletus ad gentes exteras probetur esse transmissus: qui quamvis deo iuvante laedere nihil possit, tamen animum vestrae cogitationis aperuit.

[2] But I am astonished that you, bound by these benefits, have thus received Gesalec—who, while he was being fostered by us, was adjoined to our enemies—into your defense, to such a degree that he, who had come to you destitute of forces and deprived of fortunes, is shown to have been sent to foreign nations, filled with a sudden abundance of money: who, although with God helping he can harm nothing, nevertheless has laid open the mind of your thinking.

[3] Quid expectent extraneorum iura, si sic meretur affinitas? nam si causa misericordiae susceptus est in regno vestro, teneri debuit: si nostri propter expulsus est, non oportuerat cum divitiis ad aliena regna transmitti, quae ne vobis redderentur infesta, nostra fecerunt absolute certamina. ubi est, quod tanta lectione saginatus alios solebas docere de moribus?

[3] What are the rights of outsiders to expect, if affinity is thus merited? for if for a cause of mercy he was received into your kingdom, he ought to have been held; if on account of us he was expelled, he ought not to have been transmitted with riches to alien realms, which, lest they be rendered hostile to you, have made our contests absolutely their own. where is that by which, gorged with so much reading, you were wont to teach others about morals?

hoc si voluisses cum sorore nostra tractare, utique vobis non potuisset accidere, quia nec fratrem permiserat laedi nec maritum fecerat in rebus talibus inveniri.

If you had wished to treat this with our sister, assuredly it could not have befallen you, since she would have permitted neither her brother to be harmed nor her husband to be found in such affairs.

[4] Atque ideo per illum et illum legatos nostros salutantes honorificentia conpetenti petimus, ut hanc iniustitiam deliberatio vestra pertractet, ne parentum nostrorum animus causis evidentibus excitatus cogitet aliquid temptare quod pacem videatur irrumpere. graviter siquidem dolet iniuria, quae contigerit insperata et si inde proveniat dolus, unde credebatur auxilium. quaedam vero per harum portitores verbo vobis insinuanda commisimus, ut aestimantes omnia, quid fieri in tanta causa oporteat, providentia vestra reponat, quia non est leve prudentes viros in pacis constituta peccare.

[4] And therefore, through this man and that, our envoys, greeting you with befitting honor, we ask that your deliberation examine this injustice, lest the mind of our parents, stirred by evident causes, think to attempt something which might seem to break the peace. Grievously indeed does the injury pain, which has happened unlooked for, and if guile should proceed thence whence help was believed. Moreover, certain things we have entrusted to be intimated to you by word through the bearers of these, so that, evaluating all things, your providence may provide what ought to be done in so great a cause, since it is no light thing for prudent men to transgress the arrangements established by peace.

XLIIII. TRANSIMUNDO REGI VVANDALORUM THEODERICUS REX.

44. THEODERIC THE KING TO TRANSIMUND, KING OF THE VANDALS.

[1] Ostendisti, prudentissime regum, post erroris eventum sapientibus subvenire posse consilium nec pertinaciae vitium vos amare, quod brutis hominibus videtur accidere. obligastis animum meum tanta vos in melius celeritate mutando. nam cum rex satisfacit, quaelibet dura dissolvit, quia sic est in principibus humilitas gloriosa, quemadmodum in mediocribus odiosa potest esse iactantia.

[1] You have shown, most prudent of kings, that after the outcome of an error counsel can come to the aid of the wise, and that you do not love the vice of pertinacity, which seems to befall brutish men. You have obliged my mind by changing yourselves for the better with such swiftness. For when a king makes satisfaction, he dissolves every hardness, for thus in princes humility is glorious, just as in men of middling station vaunting can be odious.

[2] Nuper vobis obiecimus Gesaleci quondam regis dolosa meditatione discessum: sed vos nobilitatis vestrae memores et honoris actum rei nobis sub veritate declarastis. unde non fuit sic vituperabile hominem pravis suspicionibus locum dedisse, quantum gloriosum est dominantem tam celerrime se potuisse purgare. ille enim, qui minus poterat cogi, animae non passus est arcana violare.

[2] Recently we brought against you that the departure was by the deceitful premeditation of Gesalic, once king; but you, mindful of your nobility and honor, have declared to us the course of the matter truthfully. Whence it was not so blameworthy that a man had given room to crooked suspicions, as it is glorious that the ruler was able so very swiftly to purge himself. For he, who was the less able to be compelled, did not allow the arcana of his soul to be violated.

[3] Cui laudi vicissitudinem, in qua possumus parte, reddentes sincerem purgationem pura mente suscepimus. sed auri transmissi munera non tenemus, ut et ipsi intellegatis causam per iustitiam fuisse motam, quam nulla potuit finire venalitas. fecimus utrique regalia: sic nos superavimus tyrannicam cupiditatem, sicut et vos vicisse constat errorem.

[3] Rendering a reciprocation to that praise, in whatever part we can, we have received the sincere purgation with a pure mind. But we do not retain the gifts of the gold that was sent, so that you yourselves also may understand that the cause was set in motion by justice, which no venality could bring to an end. We have done regal things for each side: thus we have overcome tyrannical cupidity, just as it is evident that you too have conquered the error.

redeant ad cubiculum vestrum munera, quorum tantum oblatio videtur esse gratissima. neglegatur aurum, ubi electum est conscientiae praemium: patiatur aliquando repulsam, quod semper avaris regibus imperabat. eat nunc actus isto per gentes carum parentem non excusasse culpam et laesos animos respuisse pecuniam.

let the gifts return to your chamber, the mere oblation of which seems most pleasing. let gold be neglected, where the prize of conscience has been chosen: let that which always commanded avaricious kings for once suffer a repulse. let this deed now go through the nations—that a dear parent did not excuse the fault and that wounded spirits spurned money.

[4] Ita, quod per bella solebat quaeri, amoris studio declaratum est potuisse contemni. intellegant parentes tales fuisse qui studio avaritiae causas sibi nequiverint excitare. omnia siquidem superavit affectus: tunc coepit petitio magis desinere, quando pulsatus obiecta non passus est abnegare.

[4] Thus, what used to be sought through wars has been declared, by the zeal of love, to be able to be contemned. Let the parents understand that they were such as could not, by zeal for avarice, rouse causes for themselves. For affection indeed overcame all things: then the petition began rather to cease, when, being pressed with the things objected, he did not allow himself to deny them.

recipite igitur munera sensibus suscepta, non manibus. suavius nobis fuit ista reddere quam multo grandia suscepisse. estote nunc ad similia cauti, ad ventura solliciti: quia instructus redditur animus in futuris, quando praeteritorum commonetur exemplis.

receive therefore the gifts taken up by your senses, not by your hands. it was sweeter for us to render these than to have accepted much greater ones. be now cautious regarding similar things, solicitous for those to come: because the mind is rendered instructed about future things, when it is admonished by the examples of things past.

quapropter illo et illo legatis vestris redeuntibus plenissime reddimus salutationis affectum, optantes ut sospitatem vestram divina concedant, cuius nobis animos validissime cognoscimus esse sociatos.

Wherefore, as the one and the other of your legates return, we most fully render the affection of salutation, wishing that the divine powers may grant your safety, with which we know our spirits to be most strongly allied.