Cassiodorus: VARIARUM LIBRI XII

[1] Iuste possem reprehendi, clementissime principum, si pacem vestram quaererem tepide, quam parentes meos constat ardentius expetisse: aut in qua parte dignus heres existorem, si auctoribus meis impar in tanta gloria reperirer? non nos maiorum purpuratus tantum ordo clarificat, non sic regia sella sublimat quantum longe lateque patens gratia vestra nobilitat. omnia enim regno nostro perfecte constare credimus, si hanc nobis minime deesse sentimus.

[1] I could justly be reproved, most clement of princes, if I were to seek your peace tepidly, which it is agreed my parents sought more ardently; or in what respect should I appear a worthy heir, if I were found unequal to my progenitors in so great a glory? It is not the purpled order of our elders alone that makes us illustrious, nor does the regal seat so exalt, as your favor, spreading far and wide, ennobles. For we believe that all things are perfectly established for our kingdom, if we perceive that this is by no means lacking to us.

[2] Sed ut pietati vestrae praeconiale est diligere quorum patres contigit vos amasse — nemo enim creditur impendisse veteribus puritatem innocuam, nisi qui eorum stirpem habere probatur acceptam — claudantur odia cum sepultis: ira perire noverit cum protervis: gratia non debet occumbere cum dilectis: sed magis affectuosius tractandus est, qui ad regni causas innocens invenitur.

[2] But as it is proclamatory of your piety to cherish those whose fathers it has befallen you to have loved — for no one is believed to have expended upon the elders an unoffending purity, unless he is proved to hold their stock in accepted favor — let hatreds be shut up with the buried: let wrath know to perish along with the insolent: grace ought not to succumb with the beloved: but rather he who is found innocent with respect to the causes of the kingdom must be handled more affectionately.

[3] Perpendite quid a vobis mereatur successor bonorum. vos avum nostrum in vestra civitate celsis curulibus extulistis, vos genitorem meum in Italia palmatae claritate decorastis. desiderio quoque concordiae factus est per arma filius, qui annis vobis paene videbatur aequaevus.

[3] Weigh what the successor of the good deserves from you. You exalted our grandfather in your city to lofty curule seats; you adorned my begetter in Italy with palm‑embroidered brilliance. And from a desire for concord he was made a son through arms, who by his years seemed to you almost coeval.

hoc nomen adulescenti congruentius dabitis, qualia nostris senioribus praestitistis. in parentelae locum vester iam transire debet affectus: nam ex filio vestro genitus naturae legibus vobis non habetur extraneus.

you will give this name to the youth more congruently, such as you have shown to our seniors. your affection ought now to pass into the place of kinship: for one begotten from your son, by the laws of nature, is not held extraneous to you.

[4] Atque ideo pacem non longinquus, sed proximus peto, quia tunc mihi dedistis gratiam nepotis, quando meo parenti adoptionis gaudia praestitistis. introducamur et in vestram mentem, qui adepti sumus regiam hereditatem. illud mihi est supra dominatum tantum ac talem rectorem habere propitium.

[4] And therefore I seek peace not as one far-distant, but as the nearest kinsman, because then you granted to me the favor of a grandson, when you bestowed upon my parent the joys of adoption. Let us also be introduced into your mind, we who have attained the royal inheritance. That for me is above dominion: to have so great and such a rector propitious.

primordia itaque nostra solacia mereantur principis habere longaevi: pueritia tuitionem gratiae consequatur et non in totum a parentibus destituimur, qui tali protectione fulcimur.

Therefore let our beginnings merit to have the solaces of a long‑lived prince: let childhood obtain the tutelage of favor, and we are not altogether deserted by our parents, we who are supported by such protection.

[5] Sit vobis regnum nostrum gratiae vinculis obligatum. plus in illa parte regnabitis, ubi omnia caritate iubetis. quapropter ad serenitatem vestram illum et illum legatos nostros aestimavimus esse dirigendos, ut amicitiam nobis illis pactis, illis condicionibus concedatis, quas cum divae memoriae domno avo nostro inclitos decessores vestros constat habuisse.

[5] Let our kingdom be bound to you by the bonds of grace. You will reign more in that realm where you command all things by charity. Wherefore to Your Serenity we have judged that such-and-such and such-and-such, our legates, ought to be sent, that you may concede friendship to us under those pacts, those conditions which it is agreed your illustrious predecessors had with our lord grandsire of divine memory.

aliquid forsitan et amplius mereor sinceritatis, cuius nec aetas videtur esse suspecta nec generatio iam probatur extranea. quaedam vero per supra scriptos legatos nostros serenissimis sensibus vestris verbo intimanda commisimus, quae clementiae vestrae more ad effectum facite pervenire.

Perhaps I even merit something more of sincerity, of which neither age seems to be suspect nor lineage is now proved alien. Indeed, we have committed certain things, to be intimated by word, through our above-written legates to your most serene senses; cause these, according to the manner of your clemency, to come to effect.

II. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

2. ATHALARIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Plenissimum gaudium constat esse, patres conscripti, cognoscere dominantis exortum, ut qui creditur universos posse protegere, audiatur ad regni culmina pervenisse. mensura laetitiae de magnitudine nuntii venit et tanta fit alacritas animi, quanta fuerit et consideratio rei.

[1] The fullest joy, Conscript Fathers, is agreed to be to learn of the arising of a ruler, so that he who is believed to be able to protect all is heard to have reached the pinnacles of kingship. The measure of joy comes from the magnitude of the message, and the alacrity of mind becomes as great as the consideration of the matter has been.

[2] Nam si prudentes viros erigunt commoda praedicta sodalium, si amicorum relevat sospitas nuntiata, quanta exultatione suscipi debet omnium rectorem feliciter provenisse terrarum, quem non protulit commota seditio, non bella ferventia pepererunt, non rei publicae damna lucrata sunt, sed sic factus est per quietem, quemadmodum venire decuit civilitatis auctorem! magnum profecto felicitatis genus optinere sine contentionibus principatum et in illa re publica adulescentem dominum fieri, ubi multos constat maturis moribus inveniri. non enim potest cuilibet aetati deesse consilium, ubi tot parentes publicos constat inventos.

[2] For if the aforesaid advantages of comrades uplift prudent men, if the announced safety of friends relieves, with how great exultation ought it to be received that the ruler of all the lands has happily come forth—one whom no agitated sedition brought forth, no fervent wars engendered, no gains from the commonwealth’s losses procured—but he was thus made through quiet, in the very manner it befitted the author of civility to come! A great, indeed, kind of felicity is to obtain the principate without contentions, and that in that commonwealth a young lord should be made, where it is agreed that many are found with mature morals. For counsel can fail no age, where it is agreed that so many public parents have been found.

[3] Praelata est ergo spes nostra cunctorum meritis et certius fuit de nobis credi quam quod de aliis potuit approbari: non iniuria, quoniam quaevis claritas generis Hamalis cedit et sicut ex vobis qui nascitur, origo senatoria nuncupatur, ita qui ex hac familia progreditur, regno dignissimus approbatur. probata sunt praesenti facto quae loquimur.

[3] Therefore our hope has been preferred to the merits of all, and it was more certain that belief be placed in us than what could be approved about others: not unjustly, since whatever clarity (renown) of lineage yields to the Hamal line; and just as one born from you is termed of senatorial origin, so one who advances from this family is approved as most worthy of kingship. What we say has been proved by the present fact.

[4] Nam cum domni avi nostri pro beneficiorum quantitate dulcissima nobis recordatio urgeretur extremis, magnitudinem dominationis suae tanta in nos celeritate transfudit, ut non tam regnum quam vestem crederes esse mutatam. tot proceres manu consilioque gloriosi nullum murmur, ut assolet, miscuerunt: sed ita cum magno gaudio secuti sunt principis sui iudicia, ut voluntatem ibi potius agnosceres conluxisse divinam. quapropter necessarium duximus propitio deo de ortu regni nostri vos facere certiores, quia dilatatum quam mutatum videtur imperium, cum transit ad posteros: nam quodammodo ipse putatur vivere, cuius vobis progenies cognoscitur imperare.

[4] For when, in proportion to the magnitude of his benefactions, the sweetest remembrance of our lord grandfather pressed upon us at the last, he poured the greatness of his domination over onto us with such celerity that you would think not so much the kingdom as the garment had been changed. So many nobles, glorious in hand and counsel, stirred up no murmur, as is wont; but with such great joy did they follow the judgments of their prince that you would rather recognize the divine will to have shone together there. Wherefore we have deemed it necessary, with God propitious, to make you more certain about the rise of our reign, because the empire seems expanded rather than changed when it passes to descendants: for in a certain manner he himself is thought to live, whose progeny is known by you to rule.

[5] Hoc habuerunt vestra vota, haec illius fuit indubitata sententia, ut heredem bonorum suorum relinqueret qui beneficia eius in vobis possit augere. amore principum constat inventum, ut simulacris aeneis fides servaretur imaginis, quatenus ventura progenies auctorem videret, qui sibi rem publicam multis beneficiis obligasset. sed quanto verior est qui vivit in posteris, per quos plerumque et forma corporis redditur et vigor animi protelatur!

[5] This your vows obtained; this was his undoubted sententia: that he should leave as heir of his goods one who could augment his benefactions among you. By the love of princes it is agreed to have been devised, that by bronze simulacra the fidelity of the image should be preserved, to the end that the coming progeny might see the author who had obligated the commonwealth to himself by many benefactions. But how much truer is he who lives in his descendants, through whom for the most part both the form of the body is rendered and the vigor of the mind is prolonged!

[6] Et ideo nobilitatis vestrae fidem maiore nunc studio debetis ostendere, quatenus et priora munera meritis videantur esse collata et futura indubitanter eis praestemus, quos praeteritorum immemores fuisse minime senserimus.

[6] And therefore you ought now to show the faith of your nobility with greater zeal, to the end that both the prior gifts may appear to have been conferred upon merits, and that we may indubitably bestow future ones upon those whom we shall have by no means perceived to have been unmindful of things past.

[7] Noveritis etiam divina providentia fuisse dispositum, ut Gothorum Romanorumque nobis generalis consensus accederet et voluntatem suam, quam puris pectoribus offerebant, iuris etiam iurandi relligione firmarent.

[7] Know also that by divine providence it was disposed that a general consensus of the Goths and the Romans should come to us, and that they should confirm their will—which they were offering from pure hearts—also by the religion of an oath.

[8] Quod vos secuturos esse minime dubitamus tempore, non amore: nam a vobis potuit inchoari quod praeventi longinquitate sequimini. constat enim excellentissimos patres tanto amplius posse diligere, quanto maiores honores ceteris ordinibus visi sunt accepisse.

[8] Which we by no means doubt that you will follow in time, not in love: for that which, anticipated by remoteness, you now follow could have been initiated by you. For it stands that the most excellent fathers are able to love the more, the greater honors they have seemed to have received above the other orders.

[9] Sed ut primordia nostra et circa vos benignitatis possitis agnoscere, quia decet curiam vestram beneficiis introire, illustrem Sigismerem comitem nostrum vobis cum his qui directi sunt fecimus sacramenta praestare, quia inviolabiliter servare cupimus quae publica auctoritate promittimus.

[9] But that you may be able to recognize both our beginnings and our benignity toward you—since it befits us to enter your curia with benefactions—we caused the illustrious Sigismer, our count, to furnish oaths to you together with those who have been dispatched, because we desire to keep inviolably what we promise by public authority.

[10] Si qua autem a nobis creditis postulanda, quae vestrae securitatis incrementa multiplicent, indubitanter petite commoniti, quos ad fundendas preces nos etiam videmur hortari. promissio enim est ista quam commonitio: nam qui reverendum senatum supplicare praecipit, quod impetrare possit nihilominus compromisit. nunc vestrum est tale aliquid sperare, quod communem rem publicam possit augere.

[10] But if you believe there are any things to be petitioned from us, which might multiply the increments of your security, petition unhesitatingly, being admonished—you whom we even seem to exhort to pour out prayers. for this is a promise rather than an admonition: for he who enjoins the reverend senate to supplicate has nonetheless pledged that it may obtain what it seeks. now it is yours to hope for something of such a kind as can augment the common republic.

III. POPULO ROMANO ATHALARICUS REX.

3. TO THE ROMAN PEOPLE ATHALARIC THE KING.

[1] Si vos externus heres imperii suscepisset, dubitare forsitan poteratis, ne, quos prior dilexerat, invidendo subsequens non amaret, quia nescio quo pacto, cum successor amplius laudari nititur, praecedentis fama lentatur. nunc vero persona tantum, non est autem vobis gratia commutata, quando recte nobiscum agi credimus, si veneranda iudicia avi subsequamur.

[1] If an external heir of the imperium had taken you up, you might perhaps have doubted lest the successor, out of envy, would not love those whom the prior had cherished; because, by I know not what manner, when a successor strives to be lauded more, the predecessor’s fame is made languid. But now it is only the persona that has been changed; the favor toward you has not, since we believe we are acting rightly if we follow the venerable judgments of my grandsire.

[2] Nostrae siquidem opinionis interest, ut, quos ille benignissime tuitus est, nos etiam statuta copia et beneficiorum ubertate pascamus. minus cogitant qui obscuris principibus et versatis in mediocri actione succedunt: nos talis praecessit, ut exquisitis virtutibus eius sequi vestigia debeamus.

[2] It is indeed of our view’s concern that those whom he most benignly protected we also should nourish with appointed plenty and with the abundance of benefits. They take less thought who succeed to obscure princes and to men seasoned in mediocre action: such a one has gone before us that, by his exquisite virtues, we ought to follow his footsteps.

[3] Quapropter, quod auspice deo dictum sit, gloriosi domni avi nostri ita vobis nuntiamus ordinatione dispositum, ut Gothorum Romanorumque suavissimus consensus in regnum nostrum accederet, et, ne adversis rebus aliqua possit remanere suspicio, vota sua sacramentorum interpositione firmarunt: se dominatum nostrum tanto gaudio subire, tamquam si illis domnus avus noster fatali sorte non videretur esse subtractus, ne solis linguis, sed etiam imis pectoribus probarentur esse devoti.

[3] Wherefore—may it be said under God’s auspice—we announce to you that, by the ordinance arranged by our glorious lord grandfather, it has been so disposed that the most sweet consensus of Goths and Romans should accede to our kingdom; and, lest in adverse affairs any suspicion could remain, they made firm their vows by the interposition of sacraments: that they undergo our dominion with such joy as if to them our lord grandfather did not seem to have been taken away by fatal lot, so that they might be approved as devoted not by tongues alone, but even by their inmost breasts.

[4] Quod si vos, ut opinamur, libenti animo similia feceritis, harum portitores sub obtestatione divina vobis fecimus polliceri iustitiam nos et aequabilem clementiam, quae populos nutrit, iuvante domino custodire et Gothis Romanisque apud nos ius esse commune nec aliud inter vos esse divisum, nisi quod illi labores bellicos pro communi utilitate subeunt, vos autem habitatio quieta civitatis Romanae multiplicat.

[4] But if you, as we suppose, shall have done similar things with a willing spirit, we have caused the bearers of these, under divine obtestation, to promise to you that, with the Lord aiding, we will keep justice and equable clemency, which nourishes peoples, and that for Goths and Romans with us there is a common law, nor is anything else divided between you, except that they undergo warlike labors for the common utility, while you are multiplied by the quiet habitation of the Roman commonwealth.

[5] Ecce ad condicionem clementissimam sacramenti inclinando nostrum eveximus principatum, ut nihil dubium, nihil formidolosum populi habere possint quos beatus noster auctor enutrivit. ecce Traiani vestri clarum saeculis reparamus exemplum: iurat vobis per quem iuratis, nec potest ab illo quisquam falli, quo invocato non licet inpune mentiri. erigite nunc animos et deo propitio meliora semper optate, ut, sicut a caritate potestatem regiam inchoavimus, ita tranquillitatem deo placitam sequentibus temporibus exequamur.

[5] Behold, by inclining our principate to the most clement condition of the sacrament (oath), we have raised it up, so that those peoples whom our blessed author nurtured may have nothing doubtful, nothing fearsome. Behold, we restore to the ages the renowned example of your Trajan: he swears to you by him by whom you swear, nor can anyone be deceived by him, at the invocation of whom it is not permitted to lie with impunity. Raise your spirits now and, with God propitious, always opt for better things, so that, just as from charity we have begun the royal power, thus in the times that follow we may carry out tranquility pleasing to God.

IIII. DIVERSIS ROMANIS PER ITALIAM ET DALMATIAS CONSTITUTIS ATHALARICUS REX.

4. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO VARIOUS ROMANS ESTABLISHED THROUGH ITALY AND THE DALMATIAS.

[1] Honorabile credimus indicare quod fama potuistis teste cognoscere. iure siquidem de se bene arbitrabitur aestimatum, qui regium meretur alloquium, quia dignitas est subiecti affatus meruisse dominantis, in ea praesertim causa, in qua omnium corda sic videntur esse sollicita, ut, si non cognoscant prosperum, credant semper adversum. nam qui audit mutatum, novum nihilominus formidat imperium.

[1] We believe it honorable to indicate what you have been able to come to know, with fame as witness. For with right it will be judged of himself that he has been well esteemed, who merits a regal address, because it is a dignity of the subject to have deserved the speech of the ruler; especially in that case in which the hearts of all seem to be so solicitous that, if they do not recognize the prosperous, they always believe the adverse. For he who hears that things are changed nevertheless dreads a new imperial rule.

et re vera nescio quid triste creditur cogitare, qui tardat inter initia benigna promittere.

and indeed it is believed that one is thinking something sad, who delays to promise amid benign beginnings.

[2] Quapropter locum sinistris cogitationibus amputantes aliter de nobis non patimur credi, quam quod de nostris parentibus potuit aestimari. et ideo, quod divinitate propitia dictum sit, glorioso domno avo nostro feliciter ordinante, tam Gothorum quam Romanorum praesentium pro munimine, indepti regni sacramenta suscepimus. quod vos quoque facturos esse libentissime iudicamus, ut, qui fideles parentibus nostris extitistis, nobis quoque simili devotione pareatis.

[2] Wherefore, cutting off room for sinister cogitations, we do not allow it to be believed otherwise about us than what could be esteemed of our parents. And therefore, which—God propitious—may be said, our glorious lord grandfather happily ordaining it, for the muniment of both the Goths and the Romans here present, we have received the sacraments of the kingdom which we had obtained. This we very gladly judge that you also will do, that you who have proved faithful to our parents may likewise obey us with similar devotion.

[3] Suavius enim diligit heredem, qui beneficiorum recordatur auctorem. sed ut vobis benivolentiae nostrae iam nunc integritas innotescat, iuris iurandi vobis fecimus relligione promitti, quod et nostrum possit declarare propositum et spem debeat munire cunctorum.

[3] For he loves the heir more suavely who remembers the author of benefactions. But that the integrity of our benevolence may even now become known to you, we have caused it to be promised to you by the religion of an oath, which both can declare our purpose and ought to fortify the hope of all.

V. DIVERSIS GOTHIS PER ITALIAM CONSTITUTIS ATHALARICUS REX.

5. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO DIVERSE GOTHS CONSTITUTED THROUGH ITALY.

[1] Voluissemus quidem vobis domni avi nostri longaevae vitae gaudia nuntiare: sed quoniam diligentibus dura condicione subtractus est, nos heredes regni sui deo sibi imperante substituit, ut successione sanguinis sui beneficia vobis a se collata faceret esse perpetua, dum nos illa et augere et tueri cupimus, quae ab illo facta esse cognoscimus. cuius ordinationi, adhuc eo superstite, in regia civitate ita sacramenti interpositione cunctorum vota sociata sunt, ut unum crederes promittere, quod generalitas videbatur optare.

[1] We would indeed have wished to announce to you the joys of the long-lived life of our lord grandfather; but since, to those who loved him, he has been withdrawn under a hard condition, he, with God commanding him, substituted us as heirs of his kingdom, so that by the succession of his blood he might make the benefactions granted to you by himself to be perpetual, while we desire both to augment and to protect those things which we know to have been done by him. To which ordination, while he was still surviving, in the royal city, the vows of all were so joined by the interposition of an oath, that you would think one man was promising what the generality seemed to desire.

[2] Hoc vos sequentes exemplum pari devotione peragite, ne quid a praesentibus minus fecisse videamini, a quibus creditur totum similiter posse compleri. illum vero comitem vobis fecimus iurata voce promittere, ut, sicut nobis vestrum animum proditis devotissime, sic optata de nostris sensibus audiatis. recipite itaque prosperum semper vobis nomen, Hamalorum regalem prosapiam, blatteum germen, infantiam purpuratam, per quos deo iuvante parentes nostri decenter evecti sunt et inter tam prolixum ordinem regum susceperunt semper augmentum.

[2] Following this example, you too perform with equal devotion, lest you seem to have done anything less than those present, by whom it is believed that the whole can likewise be brought to completion. As for that Count, we have made him promise to you on oath, that, just as you most devotedly lay open your mind to us, so you may hear the things you have wished from our sentiments. Receive, therefore, the name ever auspicious for you—the royal lineage of the Amals, the purple-dyed shoot, the purpurate infancy—through whom, with God helping, our parents were becomingly exalted, and amid so prolonged an order of kings have always received increase.

[3] Credimus enim de divinitate propitia, quae maiores nostros dignanter adiuvit, nunc quoque gratiam suae dignationis impendere, ut et nobis regnantibus bonarum rerum fructus dulcissimos afferatis, qui sub nostris parentibus copiosa virtutum laude floruistis.

[3] For we believe, from the propitious divinity which worthily aided our ancestors, that now also it is bestowing the grace of its favor, so that, while we are reigning, you may likewise bring the sweetest fruits of good things, you who flourished under our parents with copious praise of virtues.

VI. LIBERIO PPO GALLIARUM ATHALARICUS REX.

6. ATHALARIC THE KING TO LIBERIUS, PRAETORIAN PREFECT OF THE GAULS.

[1] Scimus animum vestrum de obitu gloriosae memoriae domni avi nostri acerbo dolore fatigari, dum omnia bona graviter defleantur amissa: plus enim quaeritur, dum dominus desiderabilis abrogatur. expedit autem studio pietatis afflictam mentem compensativo remedio consolari, quia vix sentitur amissus, cui non succedit extraneus.

[1] We know that your mind is wearied by bitter grief at the death of our lord grandfather of glorious memory, while all good things are grievously wept as lost: for more is sought, when the desirable lord is removed. Yet it is expedient, by a zeal of piety, to console the afflicted mind with a compensatory remedy, since he is scarcely felt as lost, for whom no stranger succeeds.

[2] Sic enim sibi deo imperante prospexit, dum esset et post fata providus, ut regionibus suis pacem relinqueret, ne aliqua novitas quieta turbaret. in sellam regni sui nos dominos collocavit, quatenus decus generis, quod in illo floruit, in successores protinus aequali luce radiaret. cui ordinationi Gothorum Romanorumque desideria convenerunt, ita ut sub iurisiurandi religione promitterent fidem se regno nostro devoto animo servaturos.

[2] For thus, with God commanding, he made provision—being provident even after death—that he might leave peace to his regions, lest any innovation disturb the quiet. He set us, as lords, upon the seat of his kingdom, to the end that the honor of the stock, which flourished in him, might forthwith radiate upon the successors with equal light. To which ordination the desires of the Goths and the Romans concurred, such that, under the religion of an oath, they promised that they would keep faith to our kingdom with a devoted mind.

[3] Quod ad illustris magnitudinis vestrae notitiam credidimus perferendum, ut ab his, qui in Galliis regno pietatis nostrae devoti sunt, simile proferatur exemplum et, sicut animos nostros circa se minores non desiderant effici, ita pari condicione teneantur astricti.

[3] Which we believed ought to be conveyed to the notice of your illustrious Magnitude, so that by those who in the Gauls are devoted to the kingdom of our piety a similar example may be produced, and, just as they do not desire that our disposition toward them be made less, so they may be held constrained by an equal condition.

VII. UNIVERSIS PROVINCIALIBUS PER GALLIAS CONSTITUTIS ATHALARICUS REX.

7. TO ALL THE PROVINCIALS ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE GAULS, ATHALARIC THE KING.

[1] Licet gloriosae memoriae domni avi nostri pro excellentibus meritis tristis vobis videatur occasus, tamen, quia ille humana condicione decubuit, ad continuandam gubernationem, quam singulariter gesserat, nos reliquit, ne damnum boni principis sentiretis, cuius vobis noscitur regnare progenies. nullus enim apud nos perdit, quod illi paruit, sed duplici largitate munifici et illius debita reddimus et futuris obsequiis beneficia ingenita pietate mutuamur.

[1] Although the passing of our lord grandfather, of glorious memory, may seem sad to you on account of his outstanding merits, nevertheless, since he succumbed to the human condition, he has left us to continue the governance which he had conducted in singular fashion, lest you feel the loss of a good prince, whose progeny is known to reign over you. For no obedience rendered to him is lost with us, but with a double largess of munificence we both render what is owed to him and, for future obediences, we reciprocate benefits by inborn piety.

[2] Atque ideo fidem pristinam maiore nunc vos convenit devotione monstrare, quia bene prospicit rebus futuris qui regnantium servit initiis, dum ipse et in reliquum perseverare creditur, qui primordia fovere sentitur. indicamus autem favore divino, cum ad regni culmina perveniremus, omnia nobis sic felicia, sic tranquilla cessisse, ut unum loqui crederes quod generalitas insonabat nec putaretur humanum, quod tot vota ingentium populorum nihil probata sunt habere contrarium.

[2] And therefore it befits you now to show your pristine faith with greater devotion, because he looks well to future affairs who serves the beginnings of those who reign, since he himself too is believed to persevere for the remainder who is felt to cherish the first beginnings. We declare moreover, by divine favor, that when we reached the heights of the kingdom, all things have turned out for us so happy, so tranquil, that you would think that what the generality was resounding was one voice speaking, nor would it be thought human that the so many vows of vast peoples, when tested, proved to have nothing contrary.

[3] Unde vos quoque praedicta convenit imitari, ut Gothi Romanis praebeant iusiurandum et Romani Gothis sacramento confirment se unanimiter regno nostro esse devotos, quatenus et nobis vestra sinceritas laudabiliter innotescat et ad quietem vestram proficiat invicem promissa concordia. eat inter vos legalis missa tranquillitas: potior minori non sit infestus. habetote animum pacatum, qui bellum non habetis externum, quia primum inde nobis placere poteritis, si vobis hac ratione prospicitis.

[3] Whence it is fitting that you likewise imitate the aforesaid, that the Goths proffer an oath to the Romans and the Romans confirm by sacrament to the Goths that they are unanimously devoted to our reign, so that both your sincerity may laudably become known to us and the concord promised mutually may further your quiet. Let lawful, duly-sent tranquility go between you: let the stronger not be infestuous toward the lesser. Have a pacate mind, you who have no external war, for thereby you will first be able to please us, if by this rationale you provide for yourselves.

VIII. VICTORINO VIRO VENERABILI, EPISCOPO ATHALARICUS REX.

8. ATHALARIC THE KING TO VICTORINUS, A VENERABLE MAN, BISHOP.

[1] De fide atque constantia tales sunt commonendae personae, quae desideriis humanis diversa sorte quatiuntur. vos autem, quos sapientia firmos efficit et mens religiosa consolidat, ad provincialium potius convenit adunationes animari, quia iuste debitor fit alieni arbitrii, qui a pluribus meretur audiri. quapropter salutantes veneratione qua dignum est, quod vobis quidem maerorem possit indicere, transitum gloriosae memoriae domni avi nostri cum dolore maximo nuntiamus.

[1] Concerning faith and constancy, such persons are to be admonished as are shaken by a diverse lot of human desires. But you, whom wisdom makes firm and a religious mind consolidates, it is rather fitting to be encouraged toward the assemblies (adunations) of the provincials, since he rightly becomes a debtor to another’s judgment who deserves to be heard by many. Wherefore, greeting you with the veneration that is fitting, a thing which indeed may impose sorrow upon you, we announce with the greatest grief the passing (transit) of our lord grandfather of glorious memory.

[2] Sed inde potest vestra tristitia temperari, quia nos in sede regni sui divinitate propitia collocavit, ut in totum desiderio vestro non videatur ereptus, qui vobis consurgit in successione reparatus. favete nunc orationibus sacris nostris libenter auspiciis, ut rex caelestis humana nobis regna confirmet, gentes externas atterat, peccata absolvat, consolidet et conservet propitius quod parentibus nostris dignatus est praestare gloriosis.

[2] But from this your sadness can be tempered, because with divinity propitious he has placed us in the seat of his realm, so that he not seem altogether snatched from your longing, who rises for you restored in succession. favor now, with sacred prayers, our auspices willingly, that the heavenly king may confirm for us human kingdoms, batter down foreign nations, absolve sins, and graciously consolidate and preserve that which he deigned to bestow upon our glorious parents.

[3] Quapropter sanctitas vestra provinciales cunctos ammoneat, ut inter se habentes concordiam regno nostro per omnia debeant esse purissimi. cupimus enim in subiectis fidem reperiri, quam larga possimus pietate munerari.

[3] Wherefore let Your Sanctity admonish all the provincials, that, having concord among themselves, they ought in all respects to be most pure toward our kingdom. For we desire that fidelity be found in subjects, which we can remunerate with bountiful piety.

VIIII. TULUIN V. I. PATRICIO ATHALARICUS REX.

9. TO TULUIN, A MOST ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, THE PATRICIAN, ATHALARIC THE KING.

[1] Licet ad regendos populos idoneos efficiant, quos ad augustum culmen divina provexerint — quando nec aetas impedit, ubi sese potentia caelestis infundit —, tamen ad relevandam florentissimae nostrae aetatis sollicitudinem visum est te virum prudentissimum convenienter adhibere, quem constat etiam domni avi nostri tractatibus iugiter et laudabiliter adhaesisse. quod si dignum fuit hoc illum talem tantumque facere, quanto magis nobis convenit solacium quaerere, quod pro adulescentiae flore decenter adhuc possumus indigere!

[1] Although it makes those whom the divine has raised to the august summit fit for ruling peoples — since not even age hinders where the heavenly potency pours itself in — nevertheless, to relieve the solicitude of our most flourishing age, it has seemed fitting suitably to employ you, a most prudent man, whom it is agreed also to have continually and laudably adhered to the deliberations of our lord grandfather. And if it was worthy by this to make that man such and so great, how much more does it befit us to seek a solace which, on account of the bloom of adolescence, we can still decorously need!

[2] Magna est enim infinitaque prudentia, quam nemo sic assequitur, ut eam non necessarie et per alios quaerere videatur. senes ipsi consiliis sapientiam discunt et a maturis in commune quaeritur quod pro omnium utilitate tractatur. solacium curarum frequenter sibi adhibent maturi reges et hinc meliores aestimantur, si soli omnia non praesumunt.

[2] Great and boundless, indeed, is prudence, which no one so attains as not necessarily to seem to seek it also through others. the elders themselves learn wisdom by counsels, and by the mature, in common, that is sought which is handled for the utility of all. mature kings frequently apply to themselves solace for cares, and hence they are esteemed better, if they do not presume to undertake everything by themselves alone.

quod si longaevi domini subiectorum ingeniis adiuvantur, consulte relaxamus aetatis nostrae breves ferias, ut suis incrementis aucta prosperius robustior ad imperii pondera sustinenda consurgat.

but if long-lived lords are aided by the ingenia of their subjects, we advisedly relax the brief recess of our age, so that, augmented by its own increments, it may rise more prosperously and more robustly to sustain the weights of empire.

[3] Atque ideo te cum favore divino suggestu praesentalis patriciatus evehimus, ut pro re publica nostra tractantem sedes celsa sublimet ne sententia salutaris, cui decet humiliter pareri, a loco videatur venisse communi. hic est honor, qui et armis convenit et in pace resplendet: hunc illa dives Graecia, quae multa gloriosissimo domno avo nostro debuit, gratificata persolvit: velavit fortes humeros chlamydum vestis, pinxit suras eius calceus iste Romanus et dignanter visus est accipere, quod se cognoscebat sumere per honorem. crescebat visendi studium eois populis heroam nostrum, dum nescio quo pacto in eo, qui bellicosus creditur, civilia plus amantur.

[3] And therefore we, with divine favor, raise you to the suggestus of the praesentalis patriciate, so that a lofty seat may exalt you as you deliberate for our commonwealth, lest a salutary judgment—to which it is fitting to obey humbly—seem to have come from a common place. This is an honor which both befits arms and shines in peace: this the wealthy Greece, which owed many things to our most glorious lord-grandfather, gratefully rendered in return: it veiled strong shoulders with the vesture of chlamyses, this Roman shoe painted his calves, and he was seen to receive with dignity what he knew he was taking by way of honor. The zeal of the Eastern peoples to behold our hero was increasing, while, I know not how, in him who is thought warlike, civil things are loved the more.

[4] Hac igitur honoris remuneratione contentus pro exteris partibus indefessa devotione laboravit et praestare cum suis parentibus principi dignabatur obsequium, qui tantorum regum fuerat stirpe procreatus. sic se magnorum beneficia semper extollunt, ut et quibus imperare nequeunt, iura venerationis imponant. diligunt crementi sui provecti semper auctorem et moralitatis iura nesciunt, qui beneficiis non tenentur.

[4] Therefore, content with this remuneration of honor, he labored with unwearied devotion on behalf of the foreign parts, and deigned to render, together with his parents, obsequy to the prince, he who had been begotten from the stock of so great kings. Thus do the benefactions of the great ever exalt themselves, so that even upon those whom they cannot command they impose the rights of veneration. Those promoted in their increment always love the author of their growth, and they know not the rights of morality who are not held by benefactions.

[5] Sed longum est de eius gloria sufficienter loqui, quem singularem gentibus saecula fecunda genuerunt. ipsius te labor instituit, ut nos minus laborare debeamus. tecum pacis certa, tecum belli dubia conferebat et, quod apud sapientes reges singulare munus est, ille sollicitus ad omnia secure tibi pectoris pandebat arcana.

[5] But it would be a long matter to speak sufficiently of his glory, whom fecund ages have engendered as singular for the peoples. His labor has instituted you, so that we ought to labor less. With you he would confer the certainties of peace, with you the uncertainties of war; and—what among wise kings is a singular gift—he, solicitous about everything, would securely lay open to you the arcana of his heart.

tu tamen nullos responsis ludebas ambiguis.

you, however, deluded no one with ambiguous responses.

[6] Amasti in audiendo patientiam, in suggestione veritatem: saepe quae ad eum falso pervenerant, recti studio corrigebas et, quod rarum confidentiae genus est, interdum resistebas contra vota principis, sed pro opinione rectoris. patiebatur enim invictus ille proeliis pro sua fama superari et dulcis erat iusto principi rationabilis contrarietas obsequentis.

[6] You loved patience in listening, truth in suggestion: often, with a zeal for rectitude, you corrected what had reached him falsely, and—what is a rare kind of confidence—you sometimes resisted against the wishes of the prince, but for the opinion of the ruler. for he, unconquered in battles, allowed himself to be overcome for the sake of his own renown, and to a just prince the reasonable contrariety of an obedient man was sweet.

[7] Ama nunc sublimior iustitiam, quam serviens diligebas. ostende te illius esse discipulum, qui numquam laboravit in cassum: iunctus Hamalo generi nobilissima tibi facta consocia. omne siquidem bonum regis suadere debet affinitas.

[7] Love now, more sublimely, justice, which, while serving, you cherished. Show yourself to be a disciple of him who never labored in vain: joined to the lineage of Hamalus, associate to yourself most noble deeds. For indeed affinity ought to persuade every good of the king.

acturus es consueta prudentia, ut laude morum fastigium contigisse videaris excelsum.

You will act with your accustomed prudence, so that by the praise of your morals you may seem to have reached a lofty pinnacle.

[8] Extat gentis Gothicae huius probitatis exemplum: Gensimundus ille toto orbe cantabilis, solum armis filius factus, tanta se Hamalis devotione coniunxit, ut heredibus eorum curiosum exhibuerit famulatum. quamvis ipse peteretur ad regnum, impendebat aliis meritum suum et moderatissimus omnium quod ipsi conferri poterat, ille parvulis exhibebat. atque ideo eum nostrorum fama concelebrat: vivit semper relationibus, qui quandoque moritura contempsit.

[8] There stands out an example of the probity of this Gothic people: that Gensimund, celebrated in song throughout the whole world, made a son by arms alone, so united himself to Hamalis with such devotion that he rendered to their heirs a scrupulous service. Although he himself was being sought for the kingship, he expended his own merit for others, and, most moderate of all, that which could have been conferred upon himself, he bestowed upon the minors. And therefore our people’s fame celebrates him: he lives forever in relations, who scorned that which is someday to die.

sic quamdiu nomen superest Gothorum, fertur eius cunctorum adtestatione praeconium. unde fas est de te meliora credere, quem nostri constat generis affinitate gaudere.

Thus, so long as the name of the Goths survives, his encomium is borne by the attestation of all. Whence it is right to believe better things about you, who are known to rejoice in the affinity of our race.

X. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

10. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Habetis, patres conscripti, unde glorioso principi gratiam referre debeatis, quando praecelso viro Toluin et nostra affinitate fulgenti vestri ordinis contulimus dignitatem. auctus est enim pacis genius de ferri radiantis ornatu nec discincta iacet toga iam procinctualis effecta. ante vobis contulimus honores, sed nunc ipsam ereximus dignitatem.

[1] You have, Conscript Fathers, a reason to render thanks to the glorious prince, since to the most exalted man Toluin, and one resplendent with our affinity of kinship, we have bestowed the dignity of your order. For the genius of peace has been augmented by the ornament of flashing iron, nor does the toga lie ungirded, now made procinctual. Formerly we conferred honors upon you, but now we have raised up dignity itself.

per omnes est nimirum splendor refusus, quem praesens potest habere patricius: quando illa est natura purissimi luminis, quae relucet et proximis.

assuredly splendor is poured back through all, which the present patrician can possess: since such is the nature of the most pure light, which shines back upon those nearby.

[2] Sed quamvis sit vobis notissimus candidatus, qui domni avi nostri tam claris ac diuturnis adhaesit obsequiis, tamen iuvat illa repetere, quae constat ad institutoris eius gloriam pertinere.

[2] But although the candidate is to you most well-known, who has adhered to the so illustrious and long-continued services of our lord grandfather, nevertheless it pleases to repeat those things which are agreed to pertain to the glory of his instructor.

[3] Primum, quod inter nationes eximium est, Gothorum nobilissima stirpe gloriatur. qui mox inter parentes infantiam reliquit, statim rudes annos ad sacri cubiculi secreta portavit, agens non ut aetas, sed ut locus potius expetebat. nam licet omnia regum obsequia sub cautela peragenda sint, illic tanto amplius timoris adquiritur, quanto proximus plus habetur.

[3] First, which is eximious among the nations, he glories in the most noble stock of the Goths. He, who soon left infancy while still among his parents, straightway carried his raw years into the secrets of the sacred bedchamber, acting not as his age, but rather as the place, required. For although all services of attendance upon kings must be carried out under caution, there the more fear is acquired, the nearer one is held.

arduum nimis est meruisse principis secretum, ubi si quid cognoscitur prodi, vel ab alio formidatur. has procellas moderator sui sine offensione transmisit, carus summatibus, collegis semper acceptus, ut iam tunc magnae felicitatis videretur esse praesagium gratiam meruisse cunctorum.

it is too arduous to have earned the prince’s secret, where, if anything is recognized, it is thought to be betrayed, or is dreaded by another. He, a moderator of himself, passed through these tempests without offense, dear to the highest, always acceptable to his colleagues, so that even then it seemed a presage of great felicity to have merited the favor of all.

[4] Cuius ut coepit aetas adulescere tenerique anni in robustam gentis audaciam condurari, ad expeditionem directus est Sirmensem: ut quod ab illo Martio viro verbis didicerat, in camporum libertate monstraret. egit de Hunnis inter alios triumphum et emeritam laudem primis congressibus auspicatus neci dedit Bulgares toto orbe terribiles. tales mittunt nostra cunabula bellatores: sic paratae sunt manus, ubi exercetur animus.

[4] As his age began to grow into adolescence and his tender years were tempered into the robust audacity of his people, he was dispatched to the Sirmian expedition: so that what he had learned in words from that Martial man, he might show in the liberty of the plains. He led a triumph over the Huns among others and, with auspicious first encounters, consigned to death the Bulgars, terrible to the whole world, winning well-earned praise. Such warriors do our cradles send forth: thus are hands prepared, where the mind is exercised.

nutritus in otioso servitio laboriosos subegit et quod exercitatione non didicit, virtus prona complevit.

nourished in idle servitude, he subdued the strenuous, and what he did not learn by exercise, ready virtue completed.

[5] Rediit subito ad principem veteranus egressus primaevus, ut non pacatis obsequiis, sed armis semper studuisse crederetur. hoc rimator ille actuum et bonorum remunerator inspiciens vigorem illi regiae domus virtutis contemplatione commisit, ut quem ingeniosum bella probaverant, fortissimi regis consiliis misceretur, ad invenienda subtilis, ad implenda robustus, ad celanda cautissimus. egit locum merito publici secreti: cum ipso proelia, cum ipso negotiorum aequabilia disponebat et in tantam se similitudinem eius cogitationis adiunxerat, ut causis recognitis, quod ille velle poterat, iste sua sponte peragebat.

[5] He returned suddenly to the princeps, a veteran who had gone out in earliest prime, so that he might be believed to have always applied himself not to pacific compliances but to arms. Noticing this, that scrutinizer of deeds and remunerator of good men entrusted to him, in contemplation of his virtue, the vigor of the royal house, so that he whom wars had proved ingenious might be mixed into the counsels of a most valiant king—subtle for discovering, robust for accomplishing, most cautious for concealing. He held by merit the place of the public secret: with him he arranged battles, with him he disposed the equable affairs of business; and he had joined himself into so great a likeness of his thinking that, the cases reviewed, what that man could wish, this man of his own accord would accomplish.

defensorem omnium suis tractatibus adiuvabat et ministrando consilium regebat ipse rectorem.

he was assisting the defender of all by his tractations, and by ministering counsel he himself was governing the governor.

[6] Ammonet etiam expeditio Gallicana, ubi iam inter duces directus et prudentiam suam bellis et pericula promptissimus ingerebat. Arelatus est civitas supra undas Rhodani constituta, quae in orientis prospectum tabulatum pontem per nuncupati fluminis dorsa transmittit. hunc et hostibus capere et nostris defendere necessarium fuit.

[6] The Gallic expedition also admonishes, where, already posted among the leaders, he was injecting his prudence into wars and was most prompt for perils. Arelate is a city set above the waves of the Rhone, which, toward an eastern prospect, sends a decked bridge across over the backs of the named river. This it was necessary both for the enemies to seize and for our men to defend.

quapropter excitata sunt Gothorum Francorumque validissima ea tempestate certamina.

Wherefore the very strongest contests of the Goths and the Franks were stirred up at that time.

[7] Affuit illic dubiis rebus audacia candidati, ubi tanta cum globis hostium concertatione pugnavit, ut et inimicos a suis desideriis amoveret et vulnera factorum suorum signa susciperet: vulnera inquam, opinio inseparabilis, sine assertore praeconium, propria lingua virtutis, quae licet ad praesens periculum ingerant, reliquum tamen vitae tempus exornant. eget enim astipulatoribus corpus illaesum, quaerit alios, qui visa divulgent: de fortitudine probata non ambigitur, quae tali testimonio comprobatur. conflictus virorum fortium mutua tela refluit nec semper tutus fuit, qui cum numeroso hoste contendit.

[7] The audacity of the candidate was there in doubtful affairs, where he fought with such a contest against the masses of the enemy that he both removed the foes from their desires and received wounds, the tokens of his deeds: wounds, I say—inseparable repute, a proclamation without an advocate, the proper tongue of virtue—which, although they thrust present danger upon one, yet adorn the remaining time of life. For an uninjured body needs supporters; it seeks others to spread abroad the things seen: about fortitude proved there is no doubting, which is corroborated by such testimony. The clash of brave men makes mutual missiles rebound, nor was he always safe who contended with a numerous enemy.

unius forsitan ictus sollerter eluditur: qui multis resistit, a parte qua non credidit vulnus excipit: quae in tantum nunc sunt gloriosa, quantum tunc habuere pericula. iuvat igitur fortissimi viri narrare quietum felicitatis exemplum, quia non est in duce perfecta laus asserere semper anxios labores.

perhaps the blow of one is skillfully eluded: he who resists many receives a wound from the quarter where he did not expect it: those things are now so glorious, in as great a measure as they then had perils. it pleases, therefore, to narrate a quiet exemplar of felicity of a most brave man, because in a leader it is not perfect praise to put forward ever-anxious labors.

[8] Mittitur igitur, Franco et Burgundio decertantibus, rursus ad Gallias tuendas, ne quid adversa manus praesumeret, quod noster exercitus impensis laboribus vindicasset. adquisivit rei publicae Romanae aliis contendentibus absque ulla fatigatione provinciam et factum est quietum commodum nostrum, ubi non habuimus bellica contentione periculum: triumphus sine pugna, sine labore palma, sine caede victoria. tantum ergo eius gloriae debemus, quantum utilitatis accepimus: quem et ille arbiter rerum largitione redituum iudicavit esse prosequendum, ut ibi fieret dominus possessionum, ubi utilitati publicae procuravit augmentum.

[8] He is sent, therefore, while the Frank and the Burgundian are contending, again to guard Gaul, lest any hostile hand presume anything which our army had vindicated by expended labors. He acquired for the Roman republic, while others struggled, without any fatigue, a province; and our advantage was made quiet, where we did not have danger from warlike contention: a triumph without battle, a palm without toil, a victory without slaughter. So much, then, of his glory we owe as we have received of utility: whom even that arbiter of affairs judged to be rewarded with a largess of revenues, so that he might become lord of possessions there, where he procured an augmentation for the public utility.

[9] Aquileiensem quoque tempestatem inter eius prospera iure memoramus, quia discrimina, dum feliciter cedunt, suavissimae memoriae sensum relinquunt. cum ventis saevientibus furentem pelagum spuma testaretur undarum, diu iactatum navigium tumens fluctus absorbuit, nullum relinquens forti viro solacium nisi tantum remigia brachiorum. tunc iste nautis pereuntibus cum caro pignore solus evasit.

[9] We rightly also commemorate the Aquileian tempest among his prosperities, because dangers, when they turn out happily, leave a feeling of most sweet memory. When, with the winds raging, the foam of the waves bore witness to a frenzied sea, a swelling billow swallowed the ship long tossed, leaving to the brave man no solace except only the oarage of his arms. Then he, the sailors perishing, with his dear pledge, escaped alone.

[10] Ibi amor piissimi regis, ibi meritum probatum est periclitantis, quando regnator ille vix litori constitutus, ut eum exitio praevaleret eripere, undas iterum desiderabat intrare. tunc eius pericula formidavit, qui saluti propriae timere nescivit.

[10] There the love of the most pious king, there the merit of the one in peril was proved, when that ruler, scarcely set upon the shore, in order that he might prevail to snatch him from destruction, desired to enter the waves again. Then he feared for his dangers, he who did not know how to fear for his own safety.

[11] Nonno vobis, patres conscripti, asperis casibus divinitus videtur exemptus, cui praesens parabatur eventus? hunc itaque virum bellis exercitatum, felicitate clarum, prudentia comprobatum, quod deo auspice dictum sit, ad patriciatus praesentalis culmen eveximus. favete nunc auspiciis candidati et viris nostris Libertatis atria reserate.

[11] Does it not seem to you, conscript fathers, that he has been divinely exempted from harsh mishaps, for whom this present outcome was being prepared? Therefore this man, exercised in wars, renowned for felicity, proven in prudence, as may be said with God as auspice, we have raised to the summit of the praesental patriciate. Favor now the auspices of the candidate, and open the halls of Liberty to our men.

convenit gentem Romuleam Martios viros habere collegas.

It is fitting for the Romulean nation to have Martial men as colleagues.

XI. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

11. TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME, ATHALARIC THE KING.

[1] Confide, patres conscripti, quod ad agendas optimo regi gratias omnium vestrum studia debeant concitari, quando provectum meum excogitatum noscitis pro utilitate cunctorum. atque ideo alacriter excipiendum est, quod necessarie fuisset optandum. omnibus quidem utile est iudicia principum sequi, sed ipse facit propria, qui gratanter susceperit aliena.

[1] Be assured, Conscript Fathers, that the zeal of you all ought to be stirred up to render thanks to the best king, since you know that my promotion has been devised for the utility of all. And therefore that must be received with alacrity which would of necessity have been to be desired. It is indeed useful for all to follow the judgments of princes, but he makes them his own who has gratefully taken up another’s.

[2] Retinetis me senatus semper fovisse coetum, sed nunc maxime, cum vestrum videor intrare collegium. assumptio dignitatis ordinis vestri nobis gratiam duplicavit, quando me inter eos esse sentio, a quibus me amari posse confide. accedit etiam illud animi vestri gratissimum pignus, quod patriciorum genius per nos constat erectus, quando nemo gentilium in vobis putabit abiectum, quod in me respicit honoratum.

[2] You remember that I have always cherished the gathering of the senate, but now most of all, since I seem to enter your college. The assumption of the dignity of your order has doubled favor for us, since I feel myself to be among those by whom I am confident I can be loved. There is added also that most pleasing pledge of your spirit, that the genius of the patricians is held to have been raised up through us, since none of the gentiles among you will think abject that which he sees honored in me.

[3] In expetendis quoque honoribus apud gloriosae memoriae Theodericum principem regum mea vobis saepe vota coniunxi, ut quadam praesentia talia videar praemisisse, ad quos me cum gratia decebat intrare. confidentius enim illud expetitur, ubi post collata beneficia festinatur. saepe consules, saepe patricios, saepe praefectos habita intercessione promovi, vobis inpetrare contendens, quod mihi ardue potuissem optare.

[3] In seeking honors also with Theoderic of glorious memory, prince of kings, I often joined my vows to yours, so that by a certain presence I might seem to have sent such things ahead to those to whom it was fitting that I should enter with favor. For that is sought more confidently, where one hastens after benefits have been bestowed. Often consuls, often patricians, often prefects I advanced, intercession having been made, striving to obtain for you what I could scarcely have been able to wish for myself.

congaudete nunc, patres conscripti, meis auspiciis, qui vestris favi semper honoribus.

rejoice together now, Conscript Fathers, under my auspices, I who have always favored your honors.

[4] Vultis scire, qua vos affectione complectar? insertus stirpe regia vocabulum vobiscum volui habere commune. vivite deo propitio securi et, quod est felicissimum suavitatis genus, exultate cum liberis vestris.

[4] Do you wish to know with what affection I embrace you? Grafted into the regal stock, I wished to have an appellation in common with you. Live, with God propitious, secure; and, which is the most felicitous kind of suavity, exult with your children.

studete, sicut semper, praedicari moribus Romanis et bonorum actuum famam sub alta quiete perquirite. interest nostrae gloriae, ut, quorum numerum auximus, eos propitia divinitate tueamur.

Strive, as always, to be celebrated for Roman mores, and, beneath lofty quiet, pursue the fame of good deeds. It concerns our glory that those whose number we have augmented we may safeguard by propitious divinity.

XII. ARATORI V. I. ATHALARICUS REX.

12. ATHALARIC THE KING TO ARATOR, A MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN.

[1] Perfectionem necessariarum rerum completam esse iudicamus, si, quemammodum eligendo virum magnificum patricium armatae rei publicae parti providimus, ita et de sociando ei litterarum peritissimo consulamus. decet enim tractatores habere doctissimos, quibus potestas summa committitur, ut, nullo defectu impediente meritorum, provisa rei publicae utilitas explicetur. alii sunt honores qui se ordinaria provisione componunt: de generali autem securitate sollicito talis associandus fuit, qui parem in suis studiis non haberet.

[1] We judge the perfection of necessary matters to be complete, if, just as by choosing a magnificent man, a patrician, we have provided for the armed part of the commonwealth, so also we take counsel about associating to him one most expert in letters. it befits indeed administrators to have the most learned men, to whom the highest power is committed, so that, with no defect hindering merits, the provided utility of the commonwealth may be unfolded. other honors are those which are composed by ordinary provision: but for one solicitous about the general security, such a man had to be associated as would have no equal in his studies.

[2] Neque enim adhuc minus probatus agnosceris, licet primaevus veneris ad honores. advocationis te campus exercuit: te iudicii nostri culmen elegit. nam ita intra te fuit quamvis ampla professio litterarum, ut tuum ibi consenescere non pateremur ingenium.

[2] Nor are you as yet acknowledged as any less approved, although you have come to honors in your early prime. The field of advocacy has exercised you: the summit of our judgment has chosen you. For the profession of letters, however ample, was so within you that we would not allow your genius to grow old there.

auspicatus es militem, cum implere potueris cognitorem, et quamvis traheret te eloquentia pro defensione dicere, suadebat tamen aequitas iudicanda proferre. probatum est, quid utilitatis habeat moribus armata facundia. nam sicut perniciosum est doctos prava suadere, sic salutare munus est, cum veritatis terminos disertitudo nescit excedere.

you began in the soldiery, though you could have filled the role of an examiner; and although eloquence was drawing you to speak for the defense, yet equity was advising you to bring forth things to be judged. it has been proven what utility a facundity armed with morals has; for just as it is pernicious for the learned to persuade depraved things, so it is a salutary office when disertness does not know how to exceed the boundaries of truth.

[3] Sed ut merita tua exemplis potius laudabilibus asseramus, iuvat repetere pomposam legationem, quam non communibus verbis, sed torrenti eloquentiae flumine peregisti. directus enim de partibus Dalmatiarum ad domnum avum nostrum sic necessitates provincialium, sic utilitates publicas allegabas, ut apud illum magna cautela sollicitum et copiosus esses et fastidia non moveres. abundantia siquidem verba cum suavissimo lepore defluebant et cum finem faceres, adhuc dicere quaerebaris: delectando movendo implebas magis veri oratoris nisum, cum iam causidici deseruisses officium.

[3] But so that we may assert your merits rather with laudable examples, it pleases us to recall the splendid legation, which you accomplished not with common words, but with a torrent’s river of eloquence. For being dispatched from the parts of Dalmatia to our lord, our grandfather, thus you were alleging the necessities of the provincials, thus the public interests, that before him, with great carefulness, you were both solicitous and copious, and did not arouse distaste. For abundant words flowed down with most suave charm, and when you were making an end, you were still being sought to speak: by delighting and moving you fulfilled rather the striving of a true orator, since by now you had deserted the office of a pleader.

[4] Genitoris quin etiam tui facundia et moribus adiuvaris, cuius te eloquium instruere potuit, etiamsi libris veterum non vacasses. erat enim, ut scimus, egregie litteris eruditus. et ut aliquid studioso exquisitum dicere videamur, has primum, ut frequentior tradit opinio, Mercurius repertor artium multarum volatu Strymoniarum avium collegisse memoratur.

[4] Nay indeed you are also aided by the eloquence and morés of your father, whose eloquence could have instructed you even if you had not had leisure for the books of the ancients. For he was, as we know, egregiously erudite in letters. And, that we may seem to say something exquisite for the studious, it is memorized—so the more prevalent opinion hands down—that Mercury, the discoverer of many arts, first collected these letters from the flight of the Strymonian birds.

[5] Nam et hodie grues, qui classe consociant, alphabeti formas natura inbuente describunt: quem in ordinem decorum redigens, vocalibus consonantibusque congruenter ammixtis, viam sensualem reperit, per quam alta petens ad penetralia prudentiae mens possit velocissima pervenire. hinc Helenus auctor Graecorum plura dixit eximie virtutem eius compositionemque subtilissima narratione describens, ut in ipso initio possit agnosci magnarum copia litterarum.

[5] For even today the cranes, who consociate in a fleet, trace the forms of the alphabet, nature instilling them: reducing it into a decorous order, with vowels and consonants congruently commingled, he discovered a sensory path, through which, aiming at the heights, the mind may arrive most swiftly to the penetralia of prudence. Hence a Hellenic author said more, describing its virtue and composition with a most subtle narration, so that in the very beginning the great abundance of letters can be recognized.

[6] Sed ut ad propositum redeamus, paterno igitur exemplo ingenium extendisse credendus es, qui in Romano foro eloquentiam non nutristi. o beatum magistrum felicissimumque discipulum, qui affectuose didicit, quod aliis doctorum terror extorsit!

[6] But that we may return to the purpose, by your paternal example therefore you are to be believed to have extended your ingenium, you who did not nurture eloquence in the Roman forum. O blessed master and most felicitous disciple, who affectionately learned what the terror of the learned extorted from others!

[7] Romanum denique eloquium non suis regionibus invenisti et ibi te Tulliana lectio disertum reddidit, ubi quondam Gallica lingua resonavit. ubi sunt, qui Latinas litteras Romae, non etiam alibi asserunt esse discendas? evaserat Caecilius pondus verecundiae, si hunc provectum saecula priora genuissent.

[7] Finally you discovered Roman eloquence not in its own regions, and there Tullian reading made you eloquent, where once the Gallic tongue resounded. Where are those who assert that Latin letters must be learned at Rome, and not elsewhere as well? Caecilius would have escaped the weight of modesty, if earlier ages had begotten this advancement.

soluta est quippe vis illa sententiae: mittit et Liguria Tullios suos.

for indeed the force of that maxim has been loosened: Liguria too sends forth its own Tullii.

[8] Cognosce quid ex meritis tuis aestimavimus, quando te illius consilio vides esse sociatum, qui nostri inperii tractat arcanum. hinc est quod te comitiis domesticorum illustratum isto honore decoramus, ut merito maiora de nostris debeas sperare iudiciis, qui in te adhuc meliora credimus inveniri. grande tibi negotium vides esse commissum: quidquid egeris, generalitas sentit.

[8] Recognize what we have assessed from your merits, since you see yourself associated with the counsel of him who handles the secret of our empire. Hence it is that we honor you, made illustrious by this distinction, with the rank of Count of the Domestics, so that you may deservedly hope for greater things from our judgments, we who believe that better things are yet to be found in you. You see that a great business has been entrusted to you: whatever you do, the generality feels it.

nam qui potest in universitate peccare, gloriosus nimis est, si nescit excedere.

for he who can err in the whole community is excessively vainglorious, if he does not know how to withdraw.

XIII. AMBROSIO V. I. QUAESTORI ATHALARICUS REX.

13. ATHALARIC THE KING TO AMBROSIUS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, QUAESTOR.

[1] Securus celsa conscendit, qui se in paulo minoribus approbavit et certo procedit vestigio, qui gradatim desiderio potitur accepto. sine merito siquidem remuneratum putatur omne quod subitum est nec inexplorati suspicionem refugit, quod repente provenerit. contra omnia deliberata robusta sunt et totum bonis actibus optinuisse creditur, qui post documenta laudatae militiae promovetur.

[1] Securely he ascends the heights, who has approved himself in slightly lesser things; and he proceeds with a sure footstep, who gradually comes into possession of the desire once accepted. For everything that is sudden is thought to have been remunerated without merit, nor does that which has suddenly sprung up escape the suspicion of being un-explored. By contrast, all things that are deliberated are robust, and he is believed to have secured the whole by good acts, who is promoted after the proofs of a lauded militia.

[2] Dudum inter gymnasia litterarum adscitus ab illo inspectore meritorum, qui iudiciis suis etiam futura praedicebat, privatarum largitionum fascibus praefuisti: honor, nisi ex te crevisset, exiguus, quem tu suscipiens patrocinium meritorum ita gratia dominantis auxisti, ut tibi saepe committeretur quod dignitas non habebat. quod si laudabile est vel mediocribus esse honoribus parem, quanto praestantius vicisse moribus aulicam dignitatem. haec cum tu sub tanto iudice laudata perageres, gratiam quoque loci alterius invenisti.

[2] Long since enrolled among the gymnasia of letters by that inspector of merits, who by his judgments even foretold things to come, you presided over the fasces of the Private Largesses: an honor slight, unless it had grown from you; which you, taking up the patronage of merits, so increased by the ruler’s favor that there was often entrusted to you what the rank did not possess. And if it is praiseworthy even to be equal to middling honors, how much more outstanding to have conquered the courtly dignity by character. While you were accomplishing these things, applauded under so great a judge, you also found the favor of another post.

[3] Dictationibus enim probaris adhibitus, cum sit offensionibus alter expulsus, et ita suspensum honorem tuum sustinebat ingenium, ut palatio deesse non sineres iudicem, cuius ad tempus abrogatam cognovimus dignitatem. non sunt imparia tempora nostra transactis: habemus sequaces aemulosque priscorum.

[3] For you were approved, being brought in for dictations, since another was expelled on account of offenses; and your ingenuity so sustained your honor, held in suspense, that you did not allow the palace to lack a judge, whose dignity we have learned was abrogated for a time. Our times are not unequal to those that have passed: we have followers and emulators of the ancients.

[4] Ecce iterum ad quaesturam eminens evenit ingenio. redde nunc Plinium et sume Traianum. habes magna quae dicas, si et tu simili oratione resplendeas.

[4] Behold, again, eminent, you attain the quaestorship by genius. render now a Pliny and take up a Trajan. you have great things to say, if you too should shine with a similar oration.

fama temporum de legitima atque eloquenti iussione generatur. omnia si quidem bona cumulat lingua diserta et quod a nobis praecipitur, gratia dictantis ornatur. esto nobis ad bona suggerenda promptissimus et adversum improbitatem male praesumentium constanter erectus.

The repute of the times is generated from a legitimate and eloquent injunction. Indeed the eloquent tongue accumulates all good things, and what is enjoined by us is adorned with the grace of the one dictating. Be for us most prompt in suggesting good things, and steadfastly upright against the improbity of those who presume ill.

dic etiam auribus nostris quod est omnino pro nobis. bonus princeps ille est, cui licet pro iustitia loqui, et contra tyrannicae feritatis indicium audire nolle constituta veterum sanctionum.

Say also to our ears what is altogether on our behalf. That man is a good prince, to whom it is permitted to speak for justice, and who, as an indication against tyrannical ferocity, is unwilling to hear what is contrary to the constitutions of the ancient sanctions.

[5] Renovamus certe dictum illud celeberrimum Traiani: sume dictationem, si bonus fuero, pro re publica et me, si malus, pro re publica in me. sed vide quid a te quaeramus, quando nec nobis aliquid iniustum licere permittimus. decreta ergo nostra priscorum resonent constituta, quae tantam suavitatem laudis inveniunt, quantum saporem vetustatis assumunt.

[5] We certainly renew that most celebrated saying of Trajan: take the dictation—if I shall have been good, for the commonwealth and for me; if bad, for the commonwealth against me. But see what we ask from you, since we do not permit that anything unjust be allowed even to ourselves. Therefore let our decrees resound with the constitutions of the ancients, which find as much sweetness of praise as they assume savor of antiquity.

[6] Praeiudicia, quae nos horremus, in aliis non amamus. obligamus te certe generalitati, dum absolute praecipimus iura servari. quod ideo nunc dicimus, ut opportune omnibus in te consuluisse videamur.

[6] The prejudgments which we shudder at, we do not love in others. We certainly bind you to the Generality, while we absolutely command that the laws be observed. Which we therefore now say, so that we may seem to have consulted opportune for all in you.

decet enim praemonere, ne te iam tardius post aliena pericula videamur velle corrigere. bonorum exempla sequere et nobilitatis tuae memor incede. illi digne ad vitia generis sui redeunt, qui contemptibili stirpe nascuntur.

for it is fitting to forewarn, lest we now seem to wish to correct you too tardily after others’ perils. follow the examples of the good, and, mindful of your nobility, advance. they worthily return to the vices of their kind who are born of a contemptible stock.

[7] His igitur in bonum publicum praedictis per quintam feliciter indictionem quaesturae tibi insignia deo praestante concedimus, honorem prudentium, fontem omnium dignitatum, quando exinde procedit, quod indulgentiae nostrae largitate manaverit. age ut, qui ad consilium nostrum adscisceris, prudentia cunctis et gravitate praeminere noscaris. nam quid tibi conveniat, vides.

[7] Therefore, with the aforesaid things for the public good, through the fifth indiction, happily, we, God providing, grant to you the insignia of the quaestorship, the honor of the prudent, the fountain of all dignities, since from thence proceeds whatever has flowed by the largess of our indulgence. See to it that, as you are co-opted to our council, you be known to preeminently surpass all in prudence and gravity. For you see what befits you.

vox legum diceris, dum nos iura condamus. incumbe nunc probitati vel fidei, ut, sicut te prior honor dignum fecit alteri, ita secundus tertiae faciat dignitati.

You are called the voice of the laws, while we enact laws. Apply yourself now to probity and to fidelity, so that, just as the prior honor made you worthy of a second, so the second may make you worthy of a third dignity.

XIIII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

14. ATHALARIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Accipite, patres conscripti, iudicium quod initia nostra protulerunt, quando plus cogitantur omnino quae cauta sunt, quia talis subsecutio creditur, quale primordium venisse sentitur. nemo enim futurum putat esse diligentem, quem in ipsa novitate opinionis suae non videt esse custodem. providus institutor hortum suum fecundis nititur ornare plantariis, ut reddant fructus optatos, quae sollicitis fuerant exculta laboribus: quanto magis regnum decet inter initia pacis amoenitate componi, ne habere speciem agri videatur inculti!

[1] Receive, Conscript Fathers, the judgment which our beginnings have brought forth, since things that are cautious are altogether more considered, because the sequel is believed to be such as the primordium is perceived to have come. For no one thinks him likely to be diligent in the future whom he does not see, in the very novelty of his policy, to be a custodian. A provident founder strives to adorn his garden with fecund plantings, so that those things which had been cultivated by solicitous labors may render the desired fruits: how much more does it befit a kingdom to be composed, amid its beginnings, by the amenity of peace, lest it seem to have the appearance of an uncultivated field!

[2] Et ideo beneficiis nostris quasi quandam ianuam cogitavimus dare quaestorem, per quem venientium dignitatum culmina decenter exirent. sunt vobis certe de candidato nota, quando et moderna, quae loquimur. nam cum transitum gloriosae memoriae domni avi nostri subiectorum anxia corda lugerent — bonum quippe amissum dum quaeritur, plus amatur —, per eum vobis et nostri auspicii et vestrae securitatis optata patuerunt.

[2] And therefore by our benefactions we have thought to give a quaestor as a kind of gate, through whom the culminations of incoming dignities might decently issue forth. The matters concerning the candidate are surely known to you, since what we speak is also of the present day. For when the passing of our lord grandfather of glorious memory the anxious hearts of the subjects were mourning — indeed, a good, when lost, while it is sought, is loved the more — through him there lay open to you the things desired both of our auspice and of your security.

intellegite, quali nos aequitate constringimus in futuris, ut ipse vobis legum fieret custos, qui conservandae iustitiae fuerat promissor effectus.

Understand with what equity we bind ourselves for the future, so that he himself might become for you the custodian of the laws, who had been made the promisor of conserving justice.

[3] Affuit mandatis regalibus eloquens et decorus orator, permulcens etiam inspectus, quos gratissimos reddebat auditus. tales enim decet esse aulicos viros, ut naturae bona indicio frontis aperiant et possint agnosci de moribus, cum videntur. tacens enim plerumque despicabilis est, si eum tantum lingua nobilitat: semper autem in honore manet, si, cuius est tranquillus animus, eum quoque serenissimus commendet aspectus.

[3] There was present to the regal mandates an eloquent and decorous orator, whose very appearance soothed, and whose being heard made the commands most agreeable; for such ought courtly men to be, that by the indication of the brow they lay open nature’s goods and can be recognized as to character when they are seen. For the one who is silent is for the most part despicable, if only the tongue ennobles him; but he remains always in honor, if the one whose mind is tranquil is likewise commended by a most serene aspect.

hoc denique facto testamur copiam nos habere prudentium, quando talis eligitur, qui ex utraque parte laudetur.

By this deed, finally, we testify that we have an abundance of the prudent, when such a one is chosen who is lauded on both sides.

[4] Eloquentiae vero bona ineptum est in quaestore praedicare, cum ad hoc specialiter probetur adscitus, ut opinionem temporum commendet qualitate dictorum. aliis enim iudicibus provinciarum committatur exactio, aliis privati aerarii custodia delegetur: hic autem aulicae famae insignia reponuntur, unde per totum mundum opinio vulgata laudetur. quod vobis adeo, patres conscripti, aestimavimus esse repetendum, ut tales nos quaerere credatis, quales et nostrae laudi et vestrae securitati expediat inveniri.

[4] But it is inept to proclaim the goods of eloquence in a quaestor, since he is in particular approved as admitted for this very thing: that he recommend the reputation of the times by the quality of his sayings. aliis enim iudicibus provinciarum committatur exactio, aliis privati aerarii custodia delegetur: but here the insignia of courtly fame are set, whence through the whole world the widespread opinion may be lauded. which we have so far judged must be repeated to you, Conscript Fathers, that you may believe we seek such men as it is expedient to be found both for our praise and for your security.

agnoscite, docti, bonum principis votum: confidite de beneficiis, qui litterarum probamini habere notitiam. segnissimi est torpere, cum se ad provectum cognoscat rerum dominos invitasse.

Recognize, learned men, the good vow of the prince: trust in the benefits, you who are proven to have knowledge of letters. It is the mark of the most sluggish to be torpid, when he acknowledges that he has invited the masters of affairs to advancement.

[5] Quapropter, patres conscripti, illustrem Ambrosium quaesturae culmine decoratum favor vestrae benignitatis excipiat. de illo enim non debet dubitari, qui a vestro ordine iam in prima dignitate meruit approbari.

[5] Wherefore, conscript fathers, let the illustrious Ambrose, adorned by the pinnacle of the quaestorship, be received by the favor of your benignity. For there ought not to be doubt about him, who has already deserved to be approved by your order in the first dignity.

XV. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

15. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Gratissimum nostro profitemur animo, quod gloriosi domni avi nostri respondistis in episcopatus electione iudicio. oportebat enim arbitrio boni principis oboediri, qui sapienti deliberatione pertractans, quamvis in aliena religione, talem visus est pontificem delegisse, ut nulli merito debeat displicere, ut agnoscatis illum hoc optasse praecipue, quatenus bonis sacerdotibus ecclesiarum omnium religio pullularet. recepistis itaque virum et divina gratia probabiliter institutum et regali examinatione laudatum.

[1] We profess as most gratifying to our spirit that you deferred to the judgment of our glorious lord grandfather in the election to the episcopate. For it was fitting to obey the arbitration of a good prince, who, handling the matter with wise deliberation—though in a different religion—seemed to have chosen such a pontiff that by merit he ought to displease no one; so that you may recognize that he especially desired this: that, with good priests, the religion of all the churches might pullulate. You have therefore received a man both commendably instituted by divine grace and praised by royal examination.

[2] Nullus adhuc pristina contentione teneatur. pudoren non habet victi, cuius votum contingit a principe superari. ille quim immo suum efficit, qui eum sub puritate dilexerit.

[2] Let no one any longer be held by the former contention. There is no shame for the vanquished, whose vote happens to be overcome by the prince. He rather makes it his own, who has loved him in purity.

nam quae sit causa doloris, quando hoc et in isto reperit, quod alteri in partem ductus optavit? civica sunt ista certamina, pugna sine ferro, rixa sine odio: clamoribus, non doloribus res ista peragitur. nam etsi persona summota sit, nihil tamen a fidelibus amittitur, cum optatum sacerdotium possidetur.

For what cause of grief is there, when he finds in this man the very thing which, drawn into a party, he had wished for in another? These are civic contests, a fight without iron, a quarrel without hatred: this matter is carried on with shouts, not with dolors. For even if the person be removed, nothing is lost by the faithful, since the desired priesthood is possessed.

[3] Quapropter redeunte legato vestro inlustri viro Publiano rationabile duximus ad coetum vestrum salutationis apices destinare. magna enim iucunditate perfruimur, quotiens cum nostris proceribus verba miscemus. et hoc quoque suavissimum vobis minime dubitamus, si quod illius fecistis imperio, nobis etiam cognoscitis esse gratiosum.

[3] Wherefore, as your legate, the illustrious man Publianus, returns, we have deemed it reasonable to dispatch to your assembly the tokens of a salutation. For we enjoy great delectation whenever we mingle words with our magnates. And this too we by no means doubt will be most sweet to you, if you recognize that what you did by his command is also gracious to us.

XVI. OPILIONI COMITI SACRARUM ATHALARICUS REX.

16. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO OPILIO, COUNT OF THE SACRED LARGESSES.

[1] Solent quidem venientes ad aulicas dignitates diutina exploratione trutinari, ne imperiale iudicium aliquid probare videatur ambiguum, quando gloria regni est reperisse iudices exquisitos. sed tam frequens est familiae vestrae felicissimus provectus, tam in multis personis declarata prudentia, ut licet aliquis vos eligat ad subitum, nihil fecisse videatur incertum. similitudinem suorum felix vena custodit, quando pudet delinquere, qui similia nequeunt in sui genere reperire.

[1] Those coming to courtly dignities are indeed wont to be weighed in the balance by long examination, lest the imperial judgment seem to approve anything ambiguous, since the glory of the kingdom is to have found judges exquisitely chosen. But so frequent is the most felicitous advancement of your house, so manifest the prudence declared in many persons, that although someone should choose you on the sudden, he would seem to have done nothing uncertain. A fortunate vein preserves the likeness of its own, since he is ashamed to transgress who cannot find his like within his own kind.

[2] Hinc est, quod melius agnoscitur elegisse nobilem quam fecisse felicem: quia iste commonitus per veterum se facta custodit, ille exemplum non habet nisi quod fecerit. quapropter secure tibi credimus, quod totiens tuo generi commissum fuisse gaudemus. pater his fascibus praefuit: sed et frater eadem resplenduit claritate.

[2] Hence it is, that it is better recognized to have chosen a noble than to have made a fortunate man: because the former, being admonished, safeguards himself by the deeds of his elders, the latter has no exemplar except what he himself shall have done. Wherefore we securely trust you in that which we rejoice has so often been committed to your lineage. Your father presided over these fasces: but your brother too shone with the same splendor.

ipsa quodammodo dignitas in penatibus vestris larem posuit et domesticum factum est publicum decus.

the dignity itself has, in a certain way, set a Lar in your Penates, and the public glory has been made domestic.

[3] Nam militiae ordinem sub fraterna laude didicisti, cui mutuo conexus affectu implebas laboribus socium et consiliorum participatione germanum, ad te potius pertinere diiudicans quod frater acceperat. hoc baculo reclinabatur ille felicior, astu quaedam neglegens praesumptione tui, quia per te omnia cernebat impleri.

[3] For under fraternal praise you learned the order of military service, to whom, bound by mutual knitted affection, you furnished a comrade in labors and, by a participation of counsels, a german, judging that what the brother had received pertained rather to you. Upon this staff that happier man leaned, with astuteness neglecting certain things by presuming on you, because through you he saw all things fulfilled.

[4] En dulce fratrum obsequium et praesentium temporum antiqua concordia. bene talibus sensibus iudicium creditur, qui servare mores naturaliter sentiuntur. quod si amoeni recessus et provinciale otium forte libuissent, ad te catervae causantium et anxia currebant vota laesorum.

[4] Behold the sweet brotherly obsequy and the ancient concord in these present times. Well is judgment entrusted to such sensibilities, who are naturally perceived to preserve the mores. But if by chance pleasant retreats and provincial leisure had pleased you, to you there ran crowds of litigants and the anxious vows of the wronged.

boni iudicis inter eos assumebas officium ut futurorum quodam urgente praesagio, quod a nobis accipere poteras, meritorum assumptione peragebas.

you were assuming among them the office of a good judge, as if by a certain urgent presage of things to come—which you could receive from us—you were accomplishing it by an assumption of merits.

[5] Meminimus etiam, qua nobis in primordiis regni nostri devotione servieris, quando maxime necessarium fidelium habetur obsequium. nam cum post transitum divae memoriae domni avi nostri anxia populorum vota trepidarent et de tanti regni adhuc incerto herede subiectorum se corda perfunderent, auspicia nostra Liguribus felix portitor nuntiasti et sapientiae tuae allocutione firmati maerorem, quem de occasu conceperant, ortu nostri imperii in gaudia commutabant. innovatio regis sine aliqua confusione transivit et sollicitudo tua praestitit, quod nos nullus offendit.

[5] We remember as well with what devotion you served us in the beginnings of our reign, when the service of the faithful is held most necessary. For when, after the transit of our lord grandfather of divine memory, the anxious vows of the peoples were trembling, and the hearts of the subjects were being suffused on account of the still uncertain heir of so great a kingdom, you, a happy bearer, announced our auspices to the Ligurians; and, strengthened by the allocution of your wisdom, they were converting the mourning which they had conceived from the setting into joys at the rising of our empire. The renewal of the king passed without any confusion, and your solicitude ensured that no one offended us.

[6] Atque ideo probato talibus institutis ab indictione feliciter sexta sacrarum largitionum comitivam propitia tibi divinitate concedimus. usurus es omnibus privilegiis atque emolumentis, quae ad tuos decessores pertinuisse noscuntur: absit enim, ut aliqua calumniae machinatione quatiantur qui actionis suae firmitate consistunt. fuit enim tempus, cum per delatores vexarentur et iudices.

[6] And therefore, with such institutions approved, from the happily Sixth Indiction we grant to you, the Divinity being propitious, the countship of the Sacred Largesses. You shall enjoy all the privileges and emoluments which are known to have pertained to your predecessors: far be it that those who stand by the firmness of their conduct be shaken by any machination of calumny. For there was a time when they were harassed by delators—and judges as well.

deponite iam formidinem, qui non habetis errorem: fructibus vestrarum utimini dignitatum: nam quod vobis per decessores prodecessoresque vestros temporibus domni avi nostri consuetudo longa dedit, indulgentia quoque nostra custodit.

lay down now fear, you who do not have error: make use of the fruits of your dignities: for that which a long consuetude, in the times of our lord grandfather, gave to you through your predecessors and those before them, our indulgence likewise guards.

[7] Conferimus tibi honorem germani: sed tu fidem eius imitare servitii. nam si illum sequeris, multos laude praecedis, virum auctoritatis maximae, probatae constantiae, qui sub tanto principe et sine culpa paruit et iudicia laudatus exercuit. promptum est enim aestimare quid egerit, quando sub ingrato successore palatinum officium praeconia eius tacere non potuit.

[7] We confer upon you your brother’s honor; but you, imitate the fidelity of his service. For if you follow him, you surpass many in praise—a man of the greatest authority, of proven constancy—who under so great a prince both obeyed without fault and, being lauded, exercised judgments. For it is easy to estimate what he accomplished, since under an ungrateful successor the palatine office could not keep silence about his praises.

difficile non est itaque moribus sequi posse germanum, quia et in conversationis fructu plerumque consentiunt, qui unius semine procreantur.

it is not difficult, therefore, to be able to follow a brother in morals, since they who are begotten from the seed of one for the most part also agree in the fruit of conversation.

XVII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

17. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Tanta est, patres conscripti, in candidato copia meritorum, ut vereamur, ne tardius putetur electus quam non sit iudicio comprobatus. nam cum divae memoriae avus noster optimos viros exquireret, nobis eum inremuneratum prosperior fortuna servavit. illi paruit, illi multa officiositate servivit et a domino largissimo beneficiorum sine aliqua retributione constat esse derelictum.

[1] So great, Conscript Fathers, is the abundance of merits in the candidate, that we fear lest he be thought to have been chosen later than he was approved by judgment. For when our grandsire of divine memory was seeking out the best men, a more prosperous Fortune preserved him for us unrecompensed. He obeyed him, he served him with much officiousness of duty, and it is agreed that he was left by a lord most lavish of benefactions without any return.

credo dilata est compensatio meriti, ut nobis aptior fieret causa praestandi: congenimat enim se pietas nostra lege naturae. condignum est ab herede solvi, quod collatum constat auctori. cur enim munificentia nostra eum differret, cum eum proficere consuetudo suae nobilitatis urgeret?

I believe the compensation of the merit has been deferred, so that the cause of our bestowing might become more apt for us: for our piety, by the law of nature, redoubles itself. It is condign that what is known to have been conferred upon the author be paid by the heir. For why should our munificence defer him, when the custom of his nobility was urging him to advance?

[2] Pater huic manu clarus ac summa fuit morum nobilitate conspicuus, quem nec ferventia bella respuerunt et tranquilla otia praedicarent, corpore validus, amicitia robustus aevi antiquitatem gestabat, abiectis saeculis Odovacris ditatus claris honoribus. his temporibus habitus est eximius, cum princeps non esset erectus.

[2] His father was renowned in hand and conspicuous for the highest nobility of morals—whom burning wars did not spurn, and tranquil leisures would proclaim; strong in body, robust in friendship, he bore the antiquity of an age; with the ages of Odoacer cast down, he was enriched with illustrious honors. In these times he was accounted exceptional, when no prince was elevated.

[3] Sed quid antiquam parentum eius repetimus nobilitatem, cum vicina resplendeat luce germani? cuius non dicam proximitati, sed vel amicitiae coniunctum fuisse potest esse laudabile. huius virtutibus ita se sociavit atque conexuit, ut hoc potius sit incertum, qui magis praedicetur ex altero.

[3] But why do we recall the ancient nobility of his parents, when the near light of the brother shines forth? Not to say to his kinship, but even to his friendship, to have been joined may be laudable. To this man’s virtues he so allied and interconnected himself, that this rather is uncertain: which is more proclaimed because of the other.

[4] Amicitiis ille praestat fidem: sed magnam promissis debet iste constantiam. ille quoque avaritia vacuus: et iste a cupiditate probatur alienus. hinc est quod norunt regibus servare fidem, quia nesciunt vel inter aequales exercere perfidiam.

[4] That one keeps faith in friendships: but this one owes great constancy to promises. That one, too, is void of avarice: and this one is proved alien from cupidity. Hence it is that they know how to keep faith with kings, because they do not know how to exercise perfidy even among equals.

ibi enim mores facilius probantur, ubi natura sub libertate monstratur. quomodo ergo sub puritate non serviant dominis, qui nesciunt illusisse collegis?

for there character is more easily proved, where nature is shown under liberty. How, then, under purity should they not serve their lords, who do not know how to mock their colleagues?

[5] His laudibus electus a coniuge Basilianae sociatus fertur esse familiae, quod plerumque venit a meritis coniungi posse nobilibus. inspicite in eo, si placet, etiam familiarem vitam, quia saepius maioribus vestris viros industrios haec signa prodiderunt. res huic privata tanta fuit moderatione disposita, ut nec aliqua tenacitate sorderet nec iterum nimia effusione laberetur.

[5] By these laudations chosen, he is said to have been associated by marriage to the family of Basiliana, since very often it comes from merits that one can be joined to nobles. Inspect in him, if it pleases, even the domestic life, because these signs have more often revealed to your elders industrious men. His private estate was disposed with such moderation that it was neither made sordid by any parsimonious tenacity nor, in turn, did it slip into excessive effusion.

[6] Gentiles victu, Romanos sibi iudiciis obligabat et unde ingratitudo dignitatibus plerumque venit, iste disceptando sibi amicitias colligebat. videte quid faciat nobilis natura. ex iudicibus natus arbitrum agebat, quod nisi ex morum probitate nulla potest contingere ratione.

[6] He bound the Gentiles by victuals, the Romans to himself by judgments; and from that quarter whence ingratitude usually comes to dignities, this man, by adjudicating, was gathering friendships for himself. see what a noble nature does. born of judges, he acted the arbiter, which can by no method come to pass except from the probity of morals.

nam fascibus oboedire plerumque potestatis necessitas cogit: privato iudici parere sola sententiarum probitas facit. unde nobis plus laudis videtur habere voluntarius iudex, quando ad audientiam non eligitur nisi qui iustus esse moribus aestimatur.

for the fasces to be obeyed, for the most part the necessity of power compels; to obey a private judge, only the probity of his judgments brings it about. whence it seems to us that the voluntary judge has more praise, since for a hearing no one is chosen except one who is estimated to be just in morals.

[7] Quapropter, patres conscripti, favete vestris alumnis et nostris favete iudiciis. secundo ad vestram curiam venit, qui et ex senatore natus est et aulicis dignitatibus probatur honoratus.

[7] Wherefore, Conscript Fathers, favor your alumni and favor our judgments. For the second time he comes to your curia, who both was born from a senator and is approved as honored by courtly dignities.

XVIII. FIDELI V. I. QUAESTORI ATHALARICUS REX.

18. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO FIDELIS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, QUAESTOR.

[1] Professionem constat esse iustitiae legum peritos iudices ordinare, quia vix potest neglegere qui novit aequitatem nec facile erroris vitio sordescit, quem doctrina purgaverit. dudum te forensibus negotiis insudantem oculus imperialis aspexit, nec latere potuit, qua fide suscepta peregeris, qua luculentia tractata peroraris.

[1] It is acknowledged to be a profession of justice to ordain as judges those skilled in the laws, because he who knows equity can scarcely neglect it, nor does he easily grow filthy with the fault of error, whom doctrine has purified. Long ago the imperial eye beheld you sweating in forensic affairs, nor could it lie hidden with what fidelity you have carried through undertakings you assumed, with what luculence you perorate the matters you have handled.

[2] Aequo gradu eloquentia tua atque conscientia pariter incedebant: nullus susceptus quod amplius desideraret habuit: nullus iudicum quod in te corrigere posset invenit. accessit enim venustas oris et castitas animi: iuvenem te solus decor ostendit: ab ore primaevo cana verba manaverunt. contendit flos aetatis et maturitas mentis: sed potius illa superavit, quae nos ad virtutum gradus gloriamque perducit.

[2] With equal stride your eloquence and your conscience advanced together: no undertaking had anything further it might desire: none of the judges found anything he could correct in you. For there was added the comeliness of countenance and the chastity of mind: only your grace showed you to be a youth: from an earliest mouth hoary words flowed. The flower of age and the maturity of mind contended; but rather the latter prevailed, which conducts us to the steps of virtues and to glory.

[3] Quapropter aptamus munera nomini et meritis tuis, ut arcana regia Fidelis accipias et vir eloquens litteratam reperias dignitatem. nunc causas gloriose iudica, quas laudabiliter perorabas: assideat tibi propria et exercitata doctrina. modo est felix et certa condicio negotiorum, quando ille sententiam dicit, qui non potest ignorare quod legit.

[3] Wherefore we fit gifts to your name and your merits, that you may receive the royal secrets as a Fidelis, and, a man eloquent, you may find a lettered dignity. Now judge gloriously the cases which you laudably were pleading to a conclusion: let your own and well-exercised doctrine sit beside you. Now the condition of suits is happy and sure, when he pronounces sentence who cannot be ignorant of what he reads.

non enim decet iudicem ministrum esse voluntatis alterius, ut magis alteri pareat, cui tot milites obsecundant. certe si in aliis utcumque tolerandum, nimis in quaestore pudendum est, ut qui eligitur ad principis consilium, solacium expectet alienum.

for it is not fitting that a judge be the minister of another’s will, so that he obeys another the more—one to whom so many soldiers defer. certainly, if in others it must somehow be tolerated, it is excessively shameful in a quaestor, that he who is chosen to the prince’s council should expect another’s solace.

[4] Et ideo, quod deo auspice dictum sit, per sextam indictionem quaesturae tibi conferimus dignitatem. sed tuus honor imperitis opprobrium est. nam sicut conscientia laeta est, quae provehitur meritis, ita sub reatu iacet, qui se imparem cognoscit muneribus consecutis.

[4] And therefore—so that it may be said under God’s auspices—we confer upon you, in the 6th indiction, the dignity of the quaestorship. But your honor is a reproach to the unskilled; for just as the conscience is joyful that is advanced by merits, so he lies under guilt who knows himself unequal to the offices he has obtained.

habes priscos viros, quos te deceat imitari. praecede fama quem sequeris dignitate.

you have ancient men, whom it befits you to imitate. precede in fame him whom you follow in dignity.

[5] Nam si te privata vita virtutibus exercuit, quanto melius provecta declarabit? sumpsisti nomen ex meritis: custodi, ut semper laeteris veritate vocabuli. nam cum omnis appellatio ad declarandas res videatur imposita, nimis absurdum est portare nomen alienum et aliud dici quam possit in moribus inveniri.

[5] For if private life has exercised you in virtues, how much better will advancement make it manifest? You have assumed a name from merits: keep it, that you may always rejoice in the truth of the vocable. For since every appellation seems to have been imposed for declaring things, it is excessively absurd to bear an alien name and to be called something other than can be found in one’s morals.

verum haec bonae conscientiae dicta sufficiant, quia dubitari de illo creditur, qui plurimis ammonetur.

but let these sayings of good conscience suffice, since it is believed that he is doubted who is admonished by very many.

XVIIII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

19. ATHALARIC THE KING TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[1] Licet coetus vester genuino splendore semper irradietur, clarior tamen redditur quotiens augetur lumine dignitatum. nam caelum ipsum stellis copiosissimis plus refulget et de numerosa pulchritudine mirabilem intuentibus reddit decorem. naturae siquidem insitum est, ut bonorum copia plus delectet.

[1] Although your assembly is always irradiated by its genuine splendor, yet it is rendered more bright whenever it is augmented by the light of dignities. For the heaven itself, with most copious stars, shines the more, and from its numerous beauty renders to those looking on a marvelous adornment. For it is implanted in nature that an abundance of good things delights the more.

prata denique floribus pinguntur innumeris: laudatur pinguis arvi densior seges. antiquitas vos fecerit nobiles haberi: nos senatum volumus etiam de numerositate praedicari.

meadows, finally, are painted with innumerable flowers: the denser crop of the fertile field is praised. antiquity may have made you be held noble: we wish the senate also to be proclaimed for its numerosity.

[2] Hinc est quod vobis aggregare cupimus quem repererimus ubicumque praecipuum. nam licet apud vos seminarium sit senatus, tamen et de nostra indulgentia nascitur, qui vestris coetibus applicetur. alumnos cunctae vobis pariunt aulicae dignitates, quaestura autem vere mater senatoris est, quoniam ex prudentia venit.

[2] Hence it is that we desire to aggregate to you whomever we have found, wherever, preeminent. For although among you there is a seminary of the Senate, yet from our indulgence too there is one born who is attached to your gatherings. All aulic (courtly) dignities bear you alumni; but the quaestorship is truly the mother of the senator, since it comes from prudence.

quid enim dignius, quam curiae participem fieri qui adhaesit consilio principali? sed quia prudenti viro generaliter non sufficit conclusa laudatio, eius nota propriaque tangamus.

For what, indeed, is more worthy than that he who has adhered to the principal council be made a participant of the curia? But since to a prudent man a generalized, concluded laudation does not suffice, let us touch upon his characteristic and proper note.

[3] Quaestorem nostrum, patres conscripti, cognoscite eloquentia prius exercitata placuisse et sic advocationis suae crebras egisse victorias, ut merito sibi eum electio triumphalis asciverit, quatenus palmis felicibus inauguratus nobis daret omina laurearum. ad forense gymnasium prima aetate deductus studuit semper integritati mentis et nobilissimo pudore castitatem corporis sub nimio labore transegit.

[3] Recognize, Conscript Fathers, that our quaestor first has pleased by exercised eloquence, and thus has won frequent victories in his advocacy, so that the triumphal election has deservedly enrolled him to itself, to the end that, inaugurated with happy palms, he might give us omens of laurels. Led in his earliest age to the forensic gymnasium, he has always applied himself to integrity of mind, and with most noble modesty he has passed his bodily chastity under excessive toil.

[4] Orator facundus, gravissimus patronus susceptas causas suis praeconiis adiuvabat, quando credi non poterat negotium inprobabile, cui talis videbatur assistere. nonne praetermittere hunc virum esset publicum damnum? quid enim aut nobis aut vobis esse debet acceptius quam nostro coniungi lateri, qui inter leges meruit approbari?

[4] An eloquent orator, a most weighty patron, he used to aid the causes he had undertaken with his own proclamations, since it could not be believed that the business was discreditable which seemed to have such a man standing by it. Would it not be a public loss to pass over this man? For what ought to be more acceptable either to us or to you than that he be joined to our side, he who has deserved to be approved among the laws?

amare namque eas potest, per quas doctus enituit, dum affectat unusquisque gloriam suam nec oblivisci potest animus, ex qua nobis fuerit parte sociatus.

for indeed he can love those, by which, learned, he shone forth, since each person aspires to his own glory, nor can the mind forget from what side it has been associated with us.

[5] Creditis forte, principes viri, novam in hunc imparatamque apparuisse prudentiam? origo eius hereditarias sibi litteras vindicavit, cuius pater ita in Mediolanensi foro resplenduit, ut et trino fratrum et Tulliano cespite pullularet. proinde quamvis sit vel inter mediocres difficillimum placendi genus, tamen advocationis laudem inter primarios eloquentiae frequenter meruit invenire.

[5] Do you perhaps believe, leading men, that a new and unprepared prudence has appeared in this man? His origin claimed for itself hereditary letters, whose father so resplended in the Milanese forum that he sprouted both from the triple turf of brothers and from the Tullian sod. Accordingly, although the kind of pleasing is most difficult even among the mediocre, nevertheless he frequently deserved to find the praise of advocacy among the primaries of eloquence.

is contra magnum Olybrium stetit, is palmarii Eugenetis linguae ubertate suffecit, et illis par extitit, quos singulares Roma cognovit.

he stood against the great Olybrius, he matched the copiousness of the tongue of the palmary Eugenetes, and he proved equal to those whom Rome recognized as singular.

[6] Quid enim generosius quam tot litterarum proceres habuisse maiores? nam si inveteratae et per genus ductae divitiae nobiles faciunt, multo magis praestantior est, cuius origo thesauris prudentiae locuples invenitur. quapropter, patres conscripti, favete nostro iudicio ac suis meritis candidato: quando si collegae manum clementiae porrigitis, vos potius sublevatis.

[6] For what is more generous than to have had ancestors, princes of letters in such number? for if inveterate riches, drawn down through the lineage, make men noble, much more outstanding is he whose origin is found wealthy with the treasures of prudence. wherefore, Conscript Fathers, favor our judgment and the candidate according to his merits: since if you extend to a colleague the hand of clemency, you rather uplift yourselves.

XX. AVIENO V. I. PPO ATHALARICUS REX.

20. ATHALARIC THE KING TO AVIENUS, A MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN, PRAETORIAN PREFECT.

[1] Assertio meritorum est potuisse eligi post improbitatem iudicis accusati, quando excessus praecendentium non corrigitur, nisi cum successor optimus invenitur. contrariis rebus plerumque medicina succedit, nam, dum calor vitalis adhibitus fuerit, frigus pestiferum tunc recedit. nubila ipsa ventorum spiratione terguntur et aquilo faciem caeli tranquillam reddit, quam australis aura turbavit.

[1] An assertion of merits is to have been able to be chosen after the improbity of the accused judge, since the excesses of predecessors are not corrected except when an optimum successor is found. By contrary things a remedy for the most part succeeds; for, when vital heat has been applied, the pestiferous cold then recedes. The clouds themselves are wiped by the spiration of the winds, and Aquilo makes the face of the sky tranquil, which the austral breeze disturbed.

sic nos decessorem tuum summovimus amore generalitatis, ut tu saluberrimus advenires.

thus we have removed your predecessor out of love for the generality, so that you, most salutary, might arrive.

[2] Contraria prioribus imitare et laudanda peregisti. ille calumniis odiosus: tu stude, ut iustitia reddaris acceptus. rapax ille: tu continens.

[2] You imitate things contrary to your priors and have accomplished what is laudable. he odious for calumnies: you strive, that by justice you may be rendered acceptable. rapacious he: you continent.

bonorum omnium brevis est definitio vitare quae fecit, quando illa vere laudanda sunt, quae suo iudicio non probavit. respice denique in illo odium publicum, et tu amorem affectare cunctorum. tanti tuis moribus gratias agant, quanti illius acerbitatem actionis accusant.

The brief definition of every good man is to avoid what he did, since those things are truly laudable which he did not approve by his own judgment. Consider, finally, in him the public hatred, and do you strive after the love of all. Let them give thanks for your morals to the degree that they accuse the acerbity of his action.

animare igitur dedecore praecedentis, quando post illum professae malitiae virum vel a malis abstinuisse laudandus es. nam quale erit, si beneficia provinciis tribuas quae hactenus non habebant? bonum insolitum plus amatur et sequenti gaudio confert dulcedinem temporum praemissa tristitia.

animate yourself therefore by the disgrace of the predecessor, since after that man of professed malice you are to be praised for having abstained even from evils. For how will it be, if you bestow benefits upon the provinces which hitherto they did not have? An unaccustomed good is loved more, and the sadness sent ahead confers, upon the joy that follows, a sweetness of the times.

[3] Atque ideo praefecturae tibi fasces per sextam feliciter indictionem deo auxiliante conferimus, quae quanto fuit hactenus laesione terribilis, tanta nunc habere debet beneficia lenitatis, siquidem sauciata cura tua refovenda sunt. non tuis, non alienis manibus quisquam gravetur. nam ultra omnes impietates est nocere laesos, qui sanare creditur vulneratos.

[3] And therefore we, with God helping, happily confer upon you the fasces of the prefecture for the 6th indiction, which, by as much as it has hitherto been terrible by lesion, by so much now ought to have the benefits of lenity, since the things wounded must be cherished anew by your care. Let no one be burdened by your hands, nor by those of others. For, beyond all impieties, is this: that he who is believed to heal the wounded should harm the injured.

redeat ad nomen antiquum praefectura illa praetorii toto orbe laudabilis: cuius si principium quaeramus, per Ioseph a beneficiis inchoavit. nec inmerito a legibus nostris pater provinciarum, pater etiam praedicatur imperii, quia sic iuste, sic provide agi voluerunt, ut non districtum iudicis nomen, sed vocabulum illi pietatis imponerent.

let that Prefecture of the Praetorium, laudable throughout the whole world, return to its ancient name: whose beginning, if we seek it, was initiated through Joseph from benefactions. nor undeservedly by our laws is he proclaimed the father of the provinces, father also of the empire, because they wished it to be conducted so justly, so providently, that they imposed upon him not the strict name of judge, but the appellation of piety.

[4] Iustis ac debitis compendiis nostrum per te crescat aerarium. lucra rennuimus, quae legum cauta profanant: pecunias illas volumus, quibus libra iustitiae suffragatur. aedes nostras nequitiam non patimur introire, quia nec privatim intromittere possumus quam publica voce damnamus.

[4] Let our treasury grow through you by just and due economies. We reject profits that profane the safeguards of the laws: we want those moneys to which the scales of justice give their suffrage. We do not permit wickedness to enter our palace, because we cannot admit in private what we condemn with the public voice.

[5] Audite, iudices, quid amemus, nolite aliud in malum publicum suspicari. nam cui vos per iniquas provisiones creditis esse placituros, cum nos cognoscatis sola illa diligere, quae possunt iustitiae monitis convenire? vestris iam moribus peccatis, si post ista delinquitis.

[5] Hear, judges, what we love; do not suspect anything else to the public harm. For whom do you believe you will be pleasing by unjust provisions, since you know that we love only those things which can agree with the monitions of justice? You already sin against your own morals, if after this you transgress.

sed illi forte talia gesserint, qui ad dignitates suis parentibus incognitas pervenerunt: tu post patris praefecturam laudabilem aliquid quod melius praedicetur adiunge, quia diligentior semper debet esse qui sequitur, dum bona parentum probabiliter et imitari cupimus et vincere festinamus.

but perhaps such men have done such things who have arrived at dignities unknown to their parents: you, after your father’s laudable prefecture, add something that may be proclaimed better, for he who follows ought always to be more diligent, while we both desire commendably to imitate the good things of our parents and hasten to surpass them.

[6] Accedit etiam tuis laudibus, quod dictis prudentum probaris imbutus. grave est sapienti offendere, ubi alterum reperit incidisse. ius forte praetereat, qui iura nescivit: totum a te legitimum quaeritur, cuius origo indocta fuisse nescitur.

[6] There is added also to your praises that you are approved as imbued with the sayings of the prudent. It is grave for a wise man to offend where he finds another to have fallen in. Law may perhaps be passed over by one who has not known the laws: from you the wholly legitimate is required, whose origin is not known to have been unlearned.

aequales tibi sunt libri veterum et actiones parentum. praesta opinioni tuae, praesta nostro iudicio, ut impar non sis meritis quorum aequasti per nostra beneficia dignitates.

The books of the ancients and the actions of your parents are equal for you. Make good your reputation, make good our judgment, so that you may not be unequal to the merits of those whose dignities you have equaled through our benefactions.

XXI. CYPRIANO V. I. PATRICIO ATHALARICUS REX.

21. ATHALARIC THE KING TO CYPRIANUS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN, PATRICIAN.

[1] Licet propriis frequenter honoribus et germani tui fueris dignitate laudatus, tamen, quia natura bonorum non expenditur cum refertur, quasi ad indictum revertimur, de quo iam praeconia multa sonuerunt. testificatum est de te, quicquid de fidelibus, quicquid debuit de bene meritis aestimari. sed digne laudum cum voluerit novitates emittit, qui se actionis probitate complevit.

[1] Although you have frequently been praised by your own honors and by the dignity of your brother, nevertheless, because the nature of good things is not expended when it is recounted, we return as it were to the unsaid, about which already many proclamations have resounded. testification has been made about you—whatever about the faithful, whatever ought to have been esteemed about the well-deserving. but he who has completed himself by the probity of action, when he will, sends forth novelties worthy of praises.

[2] Natura perennis fontis est gloriae vena manabilis: nam sicut ille fluendo non expenditur, sic nec ista celebri sermone siccatur. quod et si transacta taceantur, tu nova probaris suggerere quae dicantur, qui cum aetate crescis semper et meritis. cursus annorum laudis tibi procurat augmentum.

[2] The flowing vein of glory is of the nature of a perennial fountain: for just as that is not expended by flowing, so neither is this dried out by celebrated discourse. And even if things past are kept silent, you are proved to suggest new things to be said, you who grow always both in age and in merits. The course of years procures for you an augmentation of praise.

senescis quidem corpore, sed laude iuvenescis. merito tibi prolixior aetas optatur, in quo fama semper robustior invenitur.

You indeed grow old in body, but in praise you grow young. Deservedly a more prolonged age is wished for you, in whom fame is ever more robust.

[3] Habuisti sub divae memoriae avo nostro in utraque parte laudatas semper excubias. vidit te adhuc gentilis Danuvius bellatorem: non te terruit Bulgarum globus, qui etiam nostris erat praesumptione certaminis obstaturus. peculiare tibi fuit et renitentes barbaros aggredi et conversos terrore sectari.

[3] You maintained, under our grandsire of blessed memory, on both fronts ever-lauded watches. The Danube, still gentile, saw you a warrior: the mass of the Bulgars did not terrify you, which was even about to oppose our own by the presumption of combat. It was peculiar to you both to attack resisting barbarians and to pursue those turned to flight in terror.

sic victoriam Gothorum non tam numero quam labore iuvisti.

thus you aided the victory of the Goths not so much by number as by labor.

[4] Postea vero, quod non minus ipsis certaminibus fuit, referendarii officium laboriosis contentionibus exhibebas. fuerunt enim apud illum virtutum omnium virum exercitualia vel pacata servitia. quis enim non ageret bellum, qui illi potuit competens exhibere responsum?

[4] Afterwards indeed, which was not less than the contests themselves, you were performing the office of referendary in laborious contentions. For with that man, a man of all virtues, there were services both military and peaceful. For who would not wage war, who could furnish to him a competent response?

qui tantam firmitatem animi semper exegit, tantam verborum in asserenda veritate constantiam, ut merito se vicisse diceret hostem, qui illo praesente vitare valuisset errorem. hinc fuit, quod eius obsequia reddiderunt prudentes, quia cautela semper adhibita erigit sensum et, dum culpam quis formidet incurrere, sapientibus se nititur aggregare.

who always exacted such firmness of mind, such constancy of words in asserting the truth, that he could deservedly say he had conquered the enemy, whoever had been able, with him present, to avoid error. hence it was that the prudent rendered him observance, because caution, ever applied, uplifts the understanding, and, while one dreads to incur culpability, he strives to aggregate himself to the wise.

[5] Contulit etiam dignitatem sacrarum largitionum, hoc est laborum tuorum aptissimum munus, quam sic casta, sic moderata mente peregisti, ut maiora tibi deberi faceres, quamvis eam in magna praemia suscepisses. per haec te florida iuventus exercuit, sed nostris temporibus aetas matura servavit. consilio quidem plurimum vales, nec fractus tamen aetate cognosceris: sic enim adeptus es senectutis bona, ut eius non subires incommoda.

[5] He also conferred the dignity of the sacred largesses, that is, the most apt office for your labors, which you carried through with a mind so chaste, so moderate, that you made greater things be owed to you, although you had undertaken it with great rewards. Through these things blooming youth exercised you, but for our times mature age has preserved you. In counsel indeed you are of the greatest avail, nor are you recognized as broken by age: for thus have you obtained the goods of old age, that you do not undergo its incommodities.

haec sunt quae in te aestimamus augenda, ut, sicut es conscientia praeditus, reddaris quoque honore reverendus.

these are the things which we consider ought to be augmented in you, so that, just as you are endowed with conscience, you may also be rendered reverend in honor.

[6] Sunt enim beneficiis nostris consentanea in te et superna iudicia, quando talium filiorum pater effectus natura ipsa videris esse patricius. quorum bona vernantia non est absurdum referri, quando educantium felicior laus est de filiorum probitate laudari. primum, quod non minimae laudis praestat initium, infantia eorum est nota palatio.

[6] For indeed both our benefactions and the supernal judgments are consonant in your case, since, having been made the father of such sons, by nature itself you seem to be patrician. It is not unfitting to relate their burgeoning goods, since the happier praise of those who educate is to be praised for the probity of the sons. First, which furnishes no small beginning of praise, their infancy is known to the palace.

sic fetus tui, more aquilae se probantes, regales oculos ab ipsis paene cunabulis pertulerunt. relucent etiam gratia gentili nec cessant armorum imbui fortibus institutis.

thus your brood, proving themselves after the manner of the eagle, have borne the regal eyes from almost their very cradles. they also shine with gentile (ancestral) grace and do not cease to be imbued in arms by stout disciplines.

[7] Pueri stirpis Romanae nostra lingua loquuntur, eximie indicantes exhibere se nobis futuram fidem, quorum iam videntur affectasse sermonem. habemus, unde tibi, felix pater, praemium debeat referri, qui et filiorum tuorum nobis animos optulisti. quapropter multis laboribus multaque fide et constantia comprobato patriciatus tibi deo auspice conferimus dignitatem, honorem quidem celsum, sed qui tuis meritis probetur aequalis.

[7] The boys of Roman stock speak our tongue, remarkably indicating that they will exhibit to us future fidelity, who already seem to have aspired to our speech. we have, whence a reward ought to be rendered to you, happy father, you who have also offered to us the hearts of your sons. wherefore, with many labors and with much fidelity and constancy proven, under God’s auspice we confer upon you the dignity of the patriciate, an exalted honor indeed, but one which is proved equal to your merits.

fruere igitur probatissimis institutis, ut cum tu bona geminaveris, nostris iterum beneficiis augearis.

Therefore enjoy the most approved institutes, so that, when you have doubled your goods, you may again be augmented by our benefactions.

XXII. SENATUI URBIS ROMAE ATHALARICUS REX.

22. TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME, ATHALARICUS THE KING.

[1] Si favore vestro dignus est, qui vel semel regale potuit impetrare iudicium, quid, patres conscripti, vir magnificus merebitur Cyprianus, qui vobis totiens gratior debet effici, quotiens a nobis dignitates acceperit? certantes in stadio numerosior corona glorificat, Olympicos currus frequens palma nobilitat: sic vel in levibus rebus gloriosior efficitur, cui frequenter praemia conferuntur. de primo denique provectu potest esse cunctatio, dum multi fallunt principis animum, quando facile est illudere, cui semper votum est praestitisse: sed talem mentis exhibuit constantiam, tantum bonorum habuit propositum, ut semper in se provocaverit regium munus.

[1] If he is worthy of your favor who has been able even once to obtain a regal judgment, what, Conscript Fathers, will the magnificent man Cyprian merit, who ought to become so many times the more pleasing to you as many times as he shall have received dignities from us? Those competing in the stadium a more numerous crown glorifies, the Olympian chariots a frequent palm ennobles: thus even in light matters he is rendered more glorious upon whom prizes are frequently conferred. About the first promotion, to be sure, there can be hesitation, while many deceive the prince’s mind, since it is easy to delude one whose constant wish is always to have bestowed; but he has displayed such constancy of mind, he had so great a purpose of good things, that he has always provoked upon himself the royal benefaction.

[2] Haec est certa gloria, haec indubitata sententia frequenter potuisse mereri, per quod homines constat ornari. hos etiam intrare in vestram curiam decet, qui ad primos honores non expendunt meritum suum, sed cum magna susceperint, iterum maiora promerentur. ornant quoque tales et nostra iudicia, quando bene prius electus creditur, qui saepius approbatur.

[2] This is sure glory, this the indubitable sentence: to have been able frequently to merit, through which it is agreed that men are adorned. It befits these also to enter your Curia, who do not expend their merit on the first honors, but, when they have undertaken great things, earn greater things again. Such men also adorn our judgments, since he is believed to have been well chosen before who is more often approved.

natura ipsa boni adhibita perseverantia pretiatur, quia minus est laudanda incipere quam bonorum propositum custodire.

the very nature of the good prizes applied perseverance, because beginning is less laudable than guarding the resolve of the good.

[3] Similes habuistis olim, patres conscripti, Decios, similes vetustas praedicat fuisse Corvinos. neque enim hic vir, de quo nobis sermo est, nostrum sibi tantummodo conciliavit arbitrium. ab uno quippe principe provehi videtur forte gratiosum: nam et sub altero meruisse provectum apud utrosque integrum constat fuisse iudicium.

[3] You once had similar men, Conscript Fathers, Decii; antiquity proclaims that there were similar Corvini. For neither has this man, of whom our discourse is, conciliated to himself our judgment only. To be advanced by one prince, indeed, seems perhaps a matter of favor; for under another as well he merited promotion, and it is established that with both the judgment was intact.

cunctos ergo sequaces habet, qui aliquid ex veritate decernit.

Therefore, whoever decides anything according to truth has all as followers.

[4] Hunc provectus sui auctorem meruit, ut nos augmentatores dignissime reperiret. ille in eum fundamenta posuit honorum, nos culmen construximus dignitatum. et ideo, patres conscripti, tot laboribus, tot laudibus clarificato illustri viro Cypriano suggestum quoque patriciatus addidimus, ne maior esset meritis suis quam honoribus nostris.

[4] He merited as the author of his advancement that he should most worthily find in us augmentors. That man laid the foundations of honors for him; we have constructed the summit of dignities. And therefore, Conscript Fathers, to the illustrious man Cyprian, made illustrious by so many labors, so many praises, we have added also the platform of the patriciate, lest he be greater in his own merits than in our honors.

favete nunc collegae quem saepe decorastis extranei. securus ad vos redit, qui iam honores suos in Libertatis aula reposuit.

Favor now, colleagues, the colleague whom you outsiders have often adorned. Unanxious he returns to you, who has now deposited his honors in the Hall of Liberty.

[5] Habet etiam, unde vobis reddatur acceptior, quando tales curiae vestrae alumnos protulit, de quibus quamvis avidus pater tamen propria vota superavit, non infantia trepidos, non ad respondendum, ut licebat, ignaros: variis linguis loquuntur egregie, maturis viris communione miscentur. sic cum nobis noti sunt, in ipso aetatis primordio adulescentiam transierunt. praestet divina maiestas, ut, sicut de patre eorum munificentiae nomen extulimus, sic et in eis pietatis nostrae titulos augeamus.

[5] He has also that whereby he is rendered more acceptable to you, since your Curia has brought forth such alumni, concerning whom, though an eager father, he nevertheless has surpassed his own prayers— not trembling with infancy, not, as was allowable, unknowing for replying: they speak excellently in various tongues, they are mingled in communion with mature men. Thus, as they are known to us, in the very primordium of age they have passed beyond adolescence. May the Divine Majesty grant that, just as we have extolled the name of munificence in regard to their father, so also in them we may increase the titles of our pietas.

XXIII. BERGANTINO V. I. COMITI PATRIMONII ATHALARICUS REX.

23. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO BERGANTINUS, A MOST DISTINGUISHED MAN, COUNT OF THE PATRIMONY.

[1] Licet munificentiam regis cotidie deceat cum sole relucere et iugiter aliquid facere, quo possit largitas principis apparere, hinc tamen conscientiae debitum solvitur, quotiens parentibus sub aequitate praestatur. lucrantur principes dona sua et hoc vere thesauris reponimus, quod famae commodis applicamus. absit enim, ut negemus affini, quod solemus custodire subiectis: quando qui nobis sanguine coniungitur, plus meretur nec fraudari potest proprio desiderio, qui militat sub iudice gratioso.

[1] Although it befits the king’s munificence daily to shine back with the sun and continually to do something by which the prince’s largess may appear, yet here the debt of conscience is discharged whenever it is rendered to kindred under equity. Princes profit by their own gifts, and we truly lay up in our treasuries that which we apply to the advantages of reputation. Far be it that we should deny to an affine (kinsman by marriage) what we are accustomed to safeguard for subjects: since he who is joined to us by blood deserves more, and he who serves under a gracious judge cannot be defrauded of his proper desire.

[2] Atque ideo illustrem magnitudinem tuam praecelso atque amplissimo viro Theodahado massas subter annexas tot solidos pensitantes ex patrimonio quondam magnificae feminae matris ipsius praecipimus reformari, eius feliciter dominio plenissime vindicandas, cuius successionis integrum ius in ea qua praecipimus parte largimur.

[2] And therefore we command your Illustrious Magnitude that to the preeminent and most ample man Theodahad the estates annexed below, paying so many solidi, from the patrimony of the formerly magnificent woman, his mother, be reformed, to be most fully vindicated to his dominion with happy fortune, to whose succession we grant the entire right in that part in which we command.

[3] De cuius fide ac sinceritate praesumimus, ut sequenti tempore reliqua supra memorati patrimonii cum adiecta quantitate mereatur. quid enim tali viro negare possimus, qui etiam meliora suis obtinere possit obsequiis, vel si non probaretur affinis? vir quem nobilitatis suae nulla inflat elatio, modestia humilis, prudentia semper aequalis quid a nobis mereatur, intendite, quando ad gloriam nostram trahimus, quod eum proximum confitemur.

[3] Of whose faith and sincerity we presume, so that in the subsequent time he may merit the remaining portions of the above-mentioned patrimony with an added quantity. For what could we deny to such a man, who could by his services obtain even better things, even if he were not approved as an affine? Consider what such a man deserves from us—one whom no inflation of his nobility puffs up, of humble modesty, of prudence ever even—since we draw to our own glory the fact that we acknowledge him as our nearest.

[4] Quapropter aequissimae iussioni operam navanter impendite delectisque sedis vestrae chartariis designatas massas actoribus eius sine aliqua dilatione contradite, ut summa nobis caritate sociato gratia praesentis muneris reddatur acceptior.

[4] Wherefore, zealously devote your effort to the most equitable injunction, and, the record-clerks of your see having been selected, hand over the designated estates (massae) to his agents without any delay, so that, joined with our utmost affection, the favor of the present gift may be rendered more acceptable.

XXIIII. CLERO ECCLESIAE ROMANAE ATHALARICUS REX.

24. TO THE CLERGY OF THE ROMAN CHURCH, ATHALARICUS THE KING.

[1] Tanto divinitati plurima debemus, quanto a ceteris mortalibus maiora suscipimus: nam quid simile rependat deo, qui potitur imperio? sed licet pro tanto munere nihil compensari possit idonee, ipsi tamen gratia redditur, dum in servientibus honoratur.

[1] We owe very many things to the divinity, inasmuch as we receive greater things than the other mortals; for what similar thing could repay God, who possesses the imperium? Yet although for so great a gift nothing can be compensated adequately, nevertheless thanks are rendered to him, while he is honored in those who serve.

[2] Itaque flebili aditione causamini hoc fuisse longae consuetudinis institutum, ut, si quis sacrosanctae Romanae ecclesiae servientem aliqua crederet actione pulsandum, ad supra dictae civitatis antistitem negotium suum dicturus occurreret, ne clerus vester forensibus litibus profanatus, officiis potius saecularibus occupetur: addentes diaconum quoque vestrum ad contumeliam religionis tanta executionis acerbitate compulsum, ut saius eum propriae custodiae crederet mancipandum.

[2] And so, with a tearful approach you plead that this has been an institute of long custom, that, if anyone should believe a servant of the sacrosanct Roman church ought to be impeached by some action, he should resort to the prelate of the aforesaid city to declare his business, lest your clergy, profaned by forensic litigations, be rather occupied with secular offices: adding that your deacon also, to the contumely of religion, was driven with such acerbity of execution that it was thought preferable to consign him to his own custody.

[3] Presbyterum quin etiam ecclesiae Romanae pro levibus causis asseritis criminaliter impetitum. quod nobis pro ingenita reverentia, quam nostro debemus auctori, displicuisse profitemur, ut, qui pridem sacris meruerant inservire mysteriis, conventionibus inreverenter expositi nefariis iniuriis subiacerent. sed aliorum plectenda subreptio nobis contulit plenissimae laudis eventum, ut causa contingeret praestandi, quae nos caelestibus commendaret auxiliis.

[3] You even assert that a presbyter of the Roman church has been criminally assailed for slight causes. This, out of the inborn reverence which we owe to our Author, we profess has displeased us, that those who long ago had merited to serve the sacred mysteries, being irreverently exposed to summonses, should be subjected to nefarious injuries. But the surreption of others, deserving punishment, has brought to us an outcome of most abundant praise, in that an occasion occurred for bestowing that which might commend us to heavenly helps.

[4] Atque ideo considerantes et apostolicae sedis honorem et consulentes desiderio supplicantum praesenti auctoritate moderato ordine definimus, ut, si quispiam ad Romanum clerum aliquem pertinentem in qualibet causa probabili crediderit actione pulsandum, ad beatissimi papae iudicium prius conveniat audiendus, ut aut ipse inter utrosque more suae sanctitatis cognoscat aut causam deleget aequitatis studio terminandam, et si forte, quod credi nefas est, competens desiderium fuerit petitoris elusum, tunc ad saecularia fora iurgaturus occurrat, quando suas petitiones probaverit a supra dictae sedis praesule fuisse contemptas.

[4] And therefore, considering both the honor of the apostolic see and consulting the desire of the suppliants, by the present authority in moderated order we define that, if anyone should believe that someone pertaining to the Roman clerus ought to be impleaded by action in any probable cause, he shall first come to the judgment of the most blessed pope to be heard, so that either he himself, between the two parties, in the manner of his sanctity, may take cognizance, or may delegate the cause to be terminated with a zeal for equity; and if perchance—what it is impious to believe—the fitting desire of the petitioner has been eluded, then let him resort to the secular fora to litigate, when he shall have proved that his petitions have been held in contempt by the prelate of the above-said see.

[5] Quod si quis extiterit tam improbus litigator atque omnium iudicio sacrilega mente damnatus, qui reverentiam tantae sedi exhibere contemnat et aliquid de nostris affatibus crediderit promerendum, ante alicuius conventionis effectum decem librarum auri dispendio feriatur, quae a palatinis sacrarum largitionum protinus exactae per manus saepe memorati antistitis pauperibus erogentur, carensque impetratis negotii quoque sui amissione multetur. dignus est enim duplici poena percelli, qui et divinam reverentiam et nostra iussa temeravit.

[5] But if there should arise any litigator so wicked, and by the judgment of all condemned in a sacrilegious mind, who should contemn to show reverence to so great a See and should believe that something ought to be obtained from our pronouncements, let him, before the effecting of any convening, be struck with a penalty of ten pounds of gold, which, forthwith exacted by the palatine officers of the sacred largesses, are to be distributed to the poor through the hands of the oft‑mentioned prelate; and, lacking the things requested, let him also be mulcted with the loss of his own suit. For he is worthy to be smitten with a double penalty, who has rashly violated both divine reverence and our commands.

[6] Sed item vos, quos iudicia nostra venerantur, ecclesiasticis vivite constitutis. magnum scelus est crimen admittere, quos nec conversationem decet habere saecularem: professio vestra vita caelestis est. nolite ad mortalium errores et humilia vota descendere.

[6] But you likewise, whom our judgments venerate, live by the ecclesiastical constitutions. It is a great wickedness to commit a crime, you for whom it is not fitting to have even a secular manner of life: your profession is a heavenly life. Do not descend to the errors of mortals and to lowly vows.

mundani coerceantur humano iure, vos sanctis moribus oboedite.

let the worldly be coerced by human law, you obey holy morals.

XXV. IOHANNI V. S. REFERENDARIO ATHALARICUS REX.

25. ATHALARIC THE KING TO JOHN, A DISTINGUISHED MAN, REFERENDARY.

[1] Valde dignum est in eis aliena servare, quibus nos oportet propria dona conferre. quid enim de illa munificentia possis ambigere, quando a nobis te intellegis mereri, quod a nostris decessoribus accepisti? profitemur itaque alterius quidem donum, sed nostrum esse iudicium et modernam principis mentem praevenisse tantum velocissimam largitatem.

[1] It is most worthy to preserve for them what is another’s, for whom it behooves us to confer our own proper gifts. For what about that munificence can you possibly doubt, when you understand yourself to merit from us what you received from our predecessors? We profess, therefore, that the gift is indeed another’s, but the judgment is ours, and that the present mind of the prince has only anticipated a very swift largess.

[2] Hinc est quod divae memoriae avum nostrae clementiae domum in castro Lucullano positam, obsequiorum tuorum sedulitate provocatum, constat voluisse largiri. cuius dispositionem secutus patricius Tuluin posteaquam illi nostra est liberalitate concessa, praefatam domum actu legitimo in tua optime iura transmisit.

[2] Hence it is that the grandfather of our clemency, of deified memory, provoked by the sedulousness of your services, is known to have wished to bestow the house situated in the Lucullan fortress. Following his disposition, the Patrician Tuluin—after it had been granted to him by our liberality—by a legitimate act transmitted the aforesaid house into your most proper rights.

[3] Quapropter serenitas nostra vel inchoatae voluntatis desiderium vel Tuluin plenissimae donationis effectum praesenti auctoritate corroboramus, ut saepe dicta domus patriciae recordationis Agnelli in Lucullano castro posita cum omnibus ad se pertinentibus in tua vel heredum tuorum possessione permaneat, et quicquid de hac facere malueris, habebis liberam potestatem, cuiuslibet vel privati vel publici nominis posthac inquietudinem summoventes: ubi et si quid esset quolibet casu, qualibet inquisitione fortassis ambiguum, huius auctoritatis nostrae iudicio constat explosum. fruere iuvante deo rebus propriis ex nostra quoque auctoritate solidatis. alii enim tibi iura legitima praestiterunt, nos possessionis quietem et cunctis saeculis securam conferimus firmitatem.

[3] Wherefore our Serenity corroborates by the present authority either the desire of the will that had been initiated or the effect of Tuluin’s most full donation, so that the oft-said house of the patrician of remembered Agnellus, situated in the Lucullan castle, with all things pertaining to it, may remain in your possession or that of your heirs; and whatever you should prefer to do concerning this, you will have free power, removing henceforth the disturbance of anyone, whether of private or public designation: and where also, if there were anything by any chance, by any inquest perhaps ambiguous, it is established as quashed by the judgment of this our authority. Enjoy, with God helping, your own goods, also made firm by our authority. For others indeed have furnished to you the legitimate rights; we confer the quiet of possession and a firmness secure for all ages.

[4] Sed ne quis forsitan tam egregiae voluntatis nostrae invidus temerator existat, iubemus eum qui ex hac re quolibet tempore vel fisci nomine vel privati movere temptaverit aliquam quaestionem, dare tibi, vel ad quem pertinere volueris domum superius designatam, poenae nomine auri libras tot et frustratum suis ausibus infamatumque discedere. hunc enim voluntatis suae meretur invenire fructum, qui aliquid contra nostrum videtur quaesisse iudicium.

[4] But lest perhaps there be any invidious violator of so outstanding a will of ours, we order that whoever, from this matter, at any time, either under the name of the fisc or of a private person, shall have tried to move any question, give to you—or to whom you shall have wished the house designated above to pertain—so many pounds of gold by way of penalty, and depart frustrated in his attempts and defamed. For he deserves to find this fruit of his own will, who seems to have sought anything against our judgment.

XXVI. UNIVERSIS REATINIS ET NURSINIS ATHALARICUS REX.

26. ATHALARIC THE KING TO ALL THE REATINES AND THE NURSINES.

[1] Gloriosus domnus avus noster desideria vestra cognoscens Quidilanem Sibiae filium priorem vobis quidem facere disponebat: sed quia interveniente mortali condicione nequivit cogitata complere, necesse nobis est eius vota perficere, ne tantus vir de aliquo inaniter iudicaretur bona potuisse sentire.

[1] Our glorious lord grandfather, recognizing your desires, was disposing indeed to make Quidilan, son of Sibia, Prior for you; but because, the mortal condition intervening, he was not able to complete the things he had cogitated, it is necessary for us to perfect his vows, lest so great a man should be judged in any respect to have been able to sense good things in vain.

[2] Atque ideo praesenti auctoritate praecipimus, ut eum priorem feliciter habere debeatis et quae ordinaverit pro disciplina servanda, ubi nostra maxime utilitas continetur, in omnibus oboedire debeatis, quia sic domni avi nostri estis moribus instituti, ut et leges libenter audiatis et iudices.

[2] And therefore by the present authority we command that you ought to have him as prior with good fortune, and in all things you ought to obey what he shall have ordained for the maintaining of discipline—wherein our utility is most especially contained—since you have been thus instructed by the morals of our lord grandfather, that you gladly listen both to laws and to judges.

[3] Hoc est enim, quod nostrum comit imperium, quod opinionem vestram inter gentes amplificat, si talia geratis, quae et nobis accepta et divinitati possunt esse gratissima. robustius enim inimici nostri vincuntur moribus bonis, quia quos superna protegunt, felices adversarios habere non possunt. pugnatis enim efficaciter foris, dum in sedibus vestris iustitiam fovere contenditis.

[3] For this is, in fact, what accompanies our imperium, what amplifies your opinion among the gentes, if you conduct such things as are acceptable to us and can be most gratifying to the Divinity. For our enemies are conquered more robustly by good morals, since those whom the supernal powers protect cannot have felicitous adversaries. For you fight efficaciously abroad, while in your seats you strive to foster justice.

ita enim duo mutua se amplexatione consociant: qui aequitatem coluerit, fructum victoriae possidebit.

for thus the two consociate themselves by mutual embrace: whoever shall have cultivated equity will possess the fruit of victory.

[4] Nam quae necessitas ad iniusta compellat, cum vos et sortes alant propriae et munera nostra domino iuvante ditificent? nam et si cui aliquid expetendum est, speret de munificentia principis quam de praesumptione virtutis, quia vobis proficit, quod Romani quieti sunt, qui, dum aeraria nostra ditant, vestra donativa multiplicant.

[4] For what necessity would compel to unjust things, since both your own fortunes sustain you and our gifts, with the Lord helping, enrich you? For even if someone has something to seek, let him hope from the munificence of the prince rather than from a presumption of virtue, because it profits you that the Romans are at peace, who, while they enrich our treasuries, multiply your donatives.

XXVII. DUMERIT SAIONI ET FLORENTIANO VIRO DEVOTO COMITIANO ATHALARICUS REX.

27. ATHALARIC THE KING TO DUMERIT THE SAIO AND FLORENTIANUS, A DEVOUT COMITATUS COURTIER.

[1] Severitas publica sicut ab innocentibus vacat, ita necesse est, ut in sceleratis operam suae districtionis impendat, quia non semper unum merentur iudicium diversa merita personarum. morbi ipsi dissimilibus sucis sanantur herbarum: aliis cibi, aliis ferrum optatam revocat sospitatem et pro qualitate passionis praeceptum merentur artificis.

[1] Public severity, just as it is free from the innocent, so it must expend the effort of its own strictness upon the wicked, because the diverse merits of persons do not always deserve one judgment. diseases themselves are healed by dissimilar juices of herbs: for some, food, for others, iron recalls the desired soundness, and according to the quality of the suffering they merit the precept of the artificer.

[2] Et ideo devotio vestra per Faventinum territorium incunctanter excurrat et, si quos Gothorum atque Romanorum in direptionibus possessorum se miscuisse reppererit, secundum facti aestimationem et damnis affligantur et poenis, quia gravius plectendi sunt qui nec ammonitionibus iustis nec initiis principis oboediendum esse crediderunt, quando maior ambitus est novis dominis velle servire, ut commendati bonis initiis reliquam vitam securitatis munere perfruantur.

[2] And therefore let your devotion run without delay through the Faventine territory; and if it shall have found any either of the Goths or of the Romans to have mixed themselves in the despoilings of proprietors, let them, according to the appraisal of the deed, be afflicted both with damages and with penalties, because those are to be punished more severely who believed that there was not to be obedience either to just admonitions or to the prince’s initiatives, since there is a greater ambition to be willing to serve new lords, so that, commended by good beginnings, they may enjoy the remaining life by the gift of security.

XXVIII. CUNIGASTO V. I. ATHALARICUS REX.

28. ATHALARIC THE KING TO CUNIGASTUS, AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN.

[1] Permovit serenitatem nostram Constanti atque Venerii dolenda conquestio, qua sibi a Tancane iuris proprii agellum, quod Fabricula nominatur, cum suo peculio causantur ablatum, adicientes, ne rerum suarum repetitionibus imminerent, liberis sibi condicionem ultimae servitutis imponi.

[1] Our serenity has been moved by the lamentable complaint of Constans and Venerius, in which they allege that a smallholding of their proper right, which is called Fabricula, together with its own peculium, has been taken from them by Tancanes, adding that, lest they should press with actions for the recovery of their goods, the condition of ultimate servitude is being imposed upon their children.

[2] Atque ideo magnitudo tua, decretis obsecuta praesentibus, praefatum suo iubeat adesse iudicio, ubi omni inter partes veritate discussa iuri consentaneam et amicam vestris moribus proferte iustitiam: quia sicut grave est de suo dominos iure decedere, ita nostris est saeculis inimicum servitutis iugo libera colla deprimere.

[2] And therefore let Your Magnitude, in obedience to the present decrees, order the aforesaid to be present at your court, where, the whole truth between the parties having been examined, bring forth justice consentaneous to the law and agreeable to your customs: for just as it is grave for owners to depart from their own right, so in our times it is inimical to press free necks beneath the yoke of servitude.

[3] Momenti iure si competunt, primitus reddantur invasa, ita tamen, ut persona legitima disceptationibus non desistat. cesset violenta praesumptio, ut causa iudicis cognoscatur arbitrio et aut convictos servos cum rebus sibi competentibus possideat aut probatos liberos indemnes atque integros derelinquat. sufficit enim quod ei relaxamus poenam qui facere praesumpsit iniuriam.

[3] If they are competent by the right of moment (i.e., of legal weight), let the things seized be first restored, yet in such a way that the lawful person does not desist from the disceptations. Let violent presumption cease, so that the case may be examined by the judge’s arbitrament, and either he possess the convicted slaves with the things competent to them, or leave those proven to be free unharmed and intact. For it suffices that we relax the penalty for him who presumed to commit the injury.

XXVIIII. HONORATIS POSSESSORIBUS ET CURIALIBUS PARMENSIS CIVITATIS ATHALARICUS REX.

29. TO THE HONORED LANDOWNERS AND CURIALS OF THE CITY OF PARMA, ATHALARIC THE KING.

[1] Dignum est, ut libenti animo faciatis quae iuberi pro urbis vestrae utilitate cognoscitis: nam quod proprio sumptu decuit aggredi, compendiose vobis constat offerri. civitatem siquidem vestram diutina siccitate laborantem iuvante deo domnus avus noster saluberrima unda rigavit.

[1] It is fitting that you do with a willing mind the things which you understand to be ordered for the utility of your city: for what it was proper to undertake at your own expense is, as is evident, being offered to you economically. For indeed, your city, laboring under a protracted drought, with God aiding, our lord grandfather irrigated with a most salubrious water.

[2] Cui nunc studio vestro cloacarum ora pandantur, ne, sordium obiectione tardata, reciprocans unda vestris aedibus illidatur et quas debuit abluere, easdem vobis cogatur inferre. cui operi, quamquam vos urgere debeat civicus amor, virum spectabilem Genesium praecipimus imminere, ut nos ad meliora provocetis, si quae iussimus gratanter efficitis.

[2] For this, now let the mouths of the cloacae be opened by your zeal, lest, hindered by the throwing-up of filth, the back-flowing wave be dashed against your houses and be compelled to bring upon you the very things which it ought to have washed away. To which work, although civic love ought to urge you, we command the Spectabilis man Genesius to oversee it, so that you may provoke us to better things, if you gladly carry into effect the things we have ordered.

XXX. GENESIO V. S. ATHALARICUS REX.

30. ATHALARIC THE KING TO GENESIUS, A SPECTABLE MAN.

[1] Amore civitatis vestrae antiqui operis formam domnus quidem avus noster regia largitate construxit. sed nihil prodest aquarum copias urbibus inmisisse, nisi nunc provideatur cloacarum opportuna digestio: more vitae humanae, cuius ista salubritas continetur, si quod ore quis suscipit, alia parte corporis relaxatus effuderit.

[1] Out of love for your city, our lord grandfather constructed, with royal largess, the form of an ancient work. But it profits nothing to have sent supplies of waters into the cities, unless there is now provided an opportune digestion of the sewers: after the manner of human life, whose salubrity is contained in this, that what one receives by the mouth he, relaxed, expels by another part of the body.

[2] Et ideo sublimitas tua Parmenses municipes huic faciet operi naviter insistere, quatenus antiquos cuniculos sive subterraneos sive qui iunguntur marginibus platearum diligenter emendent, ut cum sollemniter optatus vobis liquor influxerit, nulla abiecti laetaminis obiectione tardetur: quia gratiam unda non habet nisi quae iugiter influit et visa semper abscedit. illa enim quae pulchre rivis exercitata ridet, quam deformis est in lacunis: palus enim nec visu grata, nec iumentis accommoda.

[2] And therefore your Sublimity will cause the Parmese townsmen to press zealously upon this work, to the end that they may diligently mend the ancient channels, whether subterranean or those that are joined to the margins of the streets, so that, when the liquor solemnly desired by you has flowed in, it may be delayed by no impediment casting down your rejoicing: for the wave has no grace except that which flows continually and, even as it is seen, always withdraws. That water which, beautifully exercised in rills, laughs—how deformed it is in pools! for a marsh is neither pleasing to the sight nor accommodating to beasts of burden.

[3] Elementum pulcherrimum quidem, sed cum in naturali puritate servatur. sine hoc agri squalent, urbes anhela siccitate fatigantur, ut merito antiqua prudentia quos a civica conversatione segregandos esse iudicavit, aquarum interdictione puniverit. quapropter tam utillimae rei omnium debet studere consensus, quia civis animum non habet, qui urbis suae gratia non tenetur.

[3] A most beautiful element indeed, but when it is preserved in natural purity. Without this, fields grow squalid, cities are wearied, gasping, by drought, so that ancient prudence rightly punished with an interdiction of waters those whom it judged should be segregated from civic fellowship. Wherefore the consensus of all ought to be eager for so most useful a matter, since he does not have a citizen’s spirit who is not bound by regard for his own city.

XXXI. SEVERO V. S. ATHALARICUS REX.

31. ATHALARICUS THE KING TO SEVERUS, A MOST NOTABLE MAN.

[1] Cum te praefectorum consiliis laudabiliter inhaerentem omnia didicisse credamus, quae ad rei publicae statum pertinent componendum, maxime cognovisti litteris eruditus pulchram esse faciem civitatum, quae populorum probantur habere conventum. sic enim et in illis splendet libertatis ornatus et nostris ordinationibus necessarius servit effectus. feris datum est agros silvasque quaerere, hominibus autem focos patrios supra cuncta diligere.

[1] Since we believe that you, commendably adhering to the counsels of the prefects, have learned all things which pertain to composing the state of the commonwealth, being educated by letters you have most especially come to know that fair is the face of cities which are approved to have the convention of peoples. For thus both the adornment of liberty shines in them and a necessary effect serves our ordinations. To beasts it has been given to seek fields and forests; to human beings, however, to love their paternal hearths above all.

[2] Aves ipsae gregatim volant, quae innoxia voluntate mitescunt: canori turdi amant sui generis densitatem: strepentes sturni compares sequuntur indesinenter exercitus: murmurantes palumbi proprias diligunt cohortes et quicquid ad simplicem pertinet vitam, adunationis gratiam non refutat.

[2] Even the birds themselves fly in flocks, which with innocent will grow gentle: the tuneful thrushes love the density of their own kind: the noisy starlings unceasingly follow the armies of their companions: the murmuring wood-pigeons cherish their own cohorts, and whatever pertains to a simple life does not refuse the grace of uniting.

[3] Contra animosi accipitres, aquilae venatrices et supra omnes alites acutius intuentes volatus solitarios concupiscunt, quia rapaces insidiae innoxia conventicula non requirunt. ambiunt enim aliquid soli agere, qui praedam cum altero non desiderant invenire. sic mortalium voluntas plerumque detestabilis est, quae conspectum hominum probatur effugere, nec potest de illo aliquid boni veraciter credi, cuius vitae testis non potest inveniri.

[3] By contrast, spirited hawks, hunting eagles, and—above all birds—those that gaze more keenly covet solitary flights, because rapacious ambushes do not require innoxious conventicles. For they ambitiously seek to do something alone, who do not desire to find prey with another. Thus the will of mortals is for the most part detestable, which is found to flee the sight of men; nor can anything of good be truly believed about him for whose life no witness can be found.

[4] Redeant possessores et curiales Bruttii: in civitatibus suis coloni sunt, qui agros iugiter colunt. patiantur se a rusticitate divisos, quibus et honores dedimus et actiones publicas probabili aestimatione commisimus, in ea praesertim regione, ubi affatim veniunt inelaboratae deliciae:

[4] Let the possessors and the curials of Bruttium return: in their own cities there are coloni, who cultivate the fields continually. Let them allow themselves to be separated from rusticity, to whom we have given honors and have entrusted public actions with a reasonable estimation, especially in that region, where unlabored delights come in abundance:

[5] Ceres ibi multa fecunditate luxuriat: Pallas etiam non minima largitate congaudet: plana rident pascuis fecundis, erecta vindemiis: abundat multifariis animalium gregibus, sed equinis maxime gloriatur armentis: merito, quando ardenti tempore tale est vernum silvarum, ut nec muscarum aculeis animalia fatigentur et herbarum semper virentium satietatibus expleantur. videas per cacumina montium rivos ire purissimos et quasi ex edito profluant, sic per Alpium summa decurrunt. additur, quod utroque latere copiosa marina possidet frequentatione commercia, ut et propriis fructibus affluenter exuberet et peregrino penu vicinitate litorum compleatur.

[5] Ceres there luxuriates with much fecundity; Pallas too rejoices with no small largess: the plains smile with fruitful pastures, the heights with vintages; it abounds with multifarious herds of animals, but most of all it boasts in equine droves: with merit, since in the burning season there is such a springtime of the woods that the animals are not wearied by the stings of flies and are filled with the satieties of ever-greening herbs. You might see over the peaks of the mountains the purest streams go, and as if they flowed from a high eyrie, so they run along the very summits of the Alps. It is added that on either side it commands commerce by copious sea-frequentation, so that it both overflows abundantly with its own fruits and is supplied with foreign store by the nearness of the shores.

vivunt illic rustici epulis urbanorum, mediocres autem abundantia praepotentum, ut nec minima ibi fortuna copiis probetur excepta.

there the rustics live on the banquets of the urbanites, and the middle sort on the abundance of the prepotent, so that not even the least fortune is found to be excepted from plenty.

[6] Hanc ergo provinciam civitatibus nolunt incolere, quam vel in agris suis se fatentur omnino diligere? quid prodest tantos viros latere litteris defaecatos? pueri liberalium scholarum conventum quaerunt et mox foro potuerint esse digni, statim incipiunt agresti habitatione nesciri: proficiunt, ut dediscant: erudiuntur, ut neglegant et cum agros diligunt, se amare non norunt.

[6] Therefore, do they not wish to inhabit this province in cities, which they confess that they altogether love even in their own fields? What profit is it that such great men, purified by letters, lie hidden? Boys seek the assembly of liberal schools, and as soon as they might be able to be worthy for the forum, straightway they begin, by rustic habitation, to be unknown: they make progress, in order to unlearn; they are educated, in order to neglect; and while they love their fields, they do not know how to love themselves.

quaerat eruditus, ubi possit existere gloriosus: prudens frequentiam non respuat hominum, in qua se novit esse laudandum. alioquin virtutibus fama tollitur, si earum merita in hominibus nesciantur.

let the erudite seek where he can stand forth glorious: let the prudent man not spurn the concourse of men, in which he knows himself to be laudable. otherwise, renown is taken away from virtues, if their merits are unknown among men.

[7] Nam quale desiderium est civium frequentiam deserere, cum aliquas quoque avium conversationi humanae se videant velle miscere? mortalium enim penatibus fiducialiter nidos philomena suspendit et inter commanentium turbas pullos nutrit intrepida. foedum ergo nimis est nobili filios in desolationibus educare, cum frequentationi humanae videat alites sua pignora commisisse.

[7] For what kind of desire is it to desert the throng of citizens, when they see that certain birds too are seen to wish to commingle themselves with human society? For at the hearths of mortals the Philomel confidently suspends her nests, and amid the throngs of co-dwellers she, undaunted, nourishes her chicks. It is therefore exceedingly foul to rear the children of a noble in desolations, when he sees that the winged creatures have entrusted their own pledges to human frequentation.

redeant igitur civitates in pristinum decus: nullus amoenitatem ruris praeponat moenibus antiquorum.

therefore let the cities return to their pristine glory: let no one prefer the amenity of the countryside to the walls of the ancients.

[8] Quomodo potest in pace refugi, pro qua oportet bellum, ne vastetur, assumi? cui enim minus grata nobilium videatur occursio? cui non affectuosum sit cum paribus miscere sermonem, forum petere, honestas artes invisere, causas proprias legibus expedire, interdum Palamediacis calculis occupari, ad balneas ire cum sociis, prandia mutuis apparatibus exhibere?

[8] How can flight be adopted in time of peace—the very peace for which it is fitting to take up war, lest it be laid waste? to whom, indeed, would the encounter of nobles seem less welcome? to whom would it not be affectuous to mingle converse with peers, to seek the forum, to visit the honorable arts, to disentangle one’s own causes by the laws, at times to be occupied with Palamedean counters, to go to the baths with companions, to put on luncheons with mutual preparations?

caret profecto omnibus his, qui vitam suam vult semper habere cum famulis.

he indeed lacks all these things, who wants to have his life always with servants.

[9] Sed ne ulterius in eandem consuetudinem mens aliter inbuta relabatur, datis fideiussoribus tam possessores quam curiales sub aestimatione virium poena interposita promittant anni parte maiore in civitatibus se manere, quas habitare delegerint. sic fit, ut eis nec ornatus desit civium nec voluptas denegetur agrorum.

[9] But, lest a mind otherwise imbued should slip back further into the same custom, with sureties furnished, let both possessors and curials, under an estimation of their means and with a penalty interposed, promise to remain for the greater part of the year in the cities which they have chosen to inhabit. Thus it comes about that for them neither the ornament of citizens is lacking nor the pleasure of the fields is denied.

XXXII. SEVERO V. S. ATHALARICUS REX.

32. ATHALARIC THE KING TO SEVERUS, A DISTINGUISHED MAN.

[1] Cum Nymphadius v. s. pro causis suis ad comitatum sacratissimum festinaret, itineris longinquitate confectus, animalia fessa reparare contendens, ad fontem Arethusae in Scyllacino territorio constitutae elegit ponere mansionem, eo quod ipsa loca et pasturarum ubertate fecunda sint et aquarum inundatione pulchrescant. est enim, ut dicitur, sub pede collium supra maris harenam fertilis campus, ubi fons vastus egrediens cannis cingentibus in coronae speciem riparum suarum ora contexit, amoenus admodum et harundineis umbris et aquarum ipsarum virtute mirabilis.

[1] While Nymphadius, a man of Spectabilis rank, was hastening to the most sacred comitatus on his own causes, exhausted by the length of the journey and striving to refresh his weary animals, he chose to set his lodging at the Fountain of Arethusa, situated in the territory of Scyllacium, because those places are fertile with the abundance of pastures and grow fair with the inundation of waters. For, as it is said, there is, at the foot of the hills above the sand of the sea, a fertile plain, where a vast spring, issuing forth, with reeds girding it, weaves the edges of its banks into the likeness of a crown, very pleasant indeed with reed-born shades and marvelous by the very virtue of the waters themselves.

[2] Nam cum ibi tacitus homo et studiose silentiosus advenerit, aquas fontis irrigui reperit sic quietas, ut in morem stagni non tam currere quam stare videantur. at ubi concrepans tussis emissa fuerit aut sermo clarior fortasse sonuerit, nescio qua vi statim aquae ibidem concitatae prosiliunt: os illud gurgitis ebullire videas graviter excitatum, ut putes aquam rigentem succensae ollae suscepisse fervorum: silenti homini tacita, loquenti strepitu et fragore respondens, ut stupescas sic subito perturbatam, quam nullus tactus exagitat.

[2] For when a man, silent and studiously tacit, has come there, he finds the waters of the irrigating spring so quiet that, in the manner of a pool, they seem not so much to run as to stand. But when a crackling cough has been emitted or perhaps a clearer speech has sounded, by I know not what force at once the waters there, stirred, leap forth: you may see that mouth of the whirlpool boil up, strongly aroused, so that you would think the rigid water had taken on the fervor of a kindled pot: to a silent man answering silently, to one speaking with din and crash, so that you marvel that it is thus suddenly disturbed, which no touch agitates.

[3] Nova vis, inaudita proprietas aquas voce hominum commoveri, et, quasi appellatae respondeant ita hominum sermonibus provocatae, nescio quid inmurmurant. credas ibi aliquod animal prostratum somno quiescere, quod excitatum magno tibi strepore respondeat. legitur quidem nonnullos fontium variis scaturrire miraculis, ut aliqui potati animalibus reddant varium colorem, alter greges albos efficiat, quidam in saxeam duritiam suscepta ligna convertant.

[3] A new force, an unheard-of property: that waters are moved by the voice of men, and, as though addressed they respond, thus when provoked by men’s speeches they murmur something. You would believe that some animal, prostrate in sleep, is resting there, which, when roused, replies to you with great clatter. It is read indeed that certain springs gush forth with various miracles, such that some, when drunk, render to animals a variegated color, another makes flocks white, and certain ones convert timbers taken up into stony hardness.

sed has causas nulla ratio comprehendit, quia supra intellectum humanum esse cognoscitur quod tantum rebus naturalibus applicatur.

But no rational account comprehends these causes, because it is recognized that what is applied only to natural things is above human intellect.

[4] Sed ut ad querellam supplicantis cito redeamus, hic cum mansionem supradictus Nymphadius habuisset, insidiis rusticorum abactos sibi asserit caballos: quod temporum nostrorum habere non decet disciplinam, ut delectatio illius loci tali damno redderetur horribilis. quod vivacitatem tuam diligenti censemus examinatione discutere, quae et de palatio nostro auctoritatem et de legibus visa est iustitiam collegisse, ut more ipsius fontis scelus quod actum est videaris ulcisci.

[4] But that we may quickly return to the complaint of the supplicant, when the above-mentioned Nymphadius had had a lodging here, he asserts that his horses were driven off by the ambushes of the rustics: a thing which it does not befit the discipline of our times to have, that the delectation of that place should be rendered horrible by such a loss. We judge that your vivacity should sift this by diligent examination, which has seemed to have collected authority from our palace and justice from the laws, so that, in the manner of that very fountain, you may appear to avenge the crime that was done.

[5] Perquirantur fures summo silentio, teneantur in suis laribus quieti, dum, mox ut executor increpuerit, eorum corda turbentur, in voces prosiliant et se terribili murmuratione confundant. sic aquas suas omina sibi iudicent dedisse poenarum. sit ergo in eis competens vindicta, ut loca sint pervia: invitet posita disciplina studium commeantium, ne latronum excessibus vitetur tale miraculum, quod semper laetificare cognoscitur inquisitum.

[5] Let the thieves be thoroughly sought out with utmost silence, let them be held quiet in their own lairs, until, as soon as the executor shall have thundered, their hearts are thrown into turmoil, they leap forth into outcries, and confound themselves with a terrible murmuring. Thus let them judge that their waters have given them omens of punishments. Let there therefore be in them a fitting vengeance, so that the places may be pervious: let the discipline set in place invite the zeal of those who come and go, lest by the excesses of brigands such a miracle be shunned, which is always known, when sought out, to gladden.

XXXIII. SEVERO V. S. ATHALARICUS REX.

33. ATHALARIC THE KING TO SEVERUS, A MOST RESPECTABLE MAN.

[1] Sicut incognita velle nosse prudentis est, ita comperta dissimulare dementia est, eo praesertim tempore, cum noxia res ad correctionem possit celerrimam pervenire. frequenti siquidem probatione didicimus Lucaniae conventu qui prisca superstitione Leucothea nomen accepit, quod ibi sit aqua nimio candore perspicua, praesumptionibus illicitis rusticorum facultates negotiantium hostili direptione saepe laceratas, ut qui ad natale sancti Cypriani religiosissime venerant peragendum mercimoniisque suis faciem civilitatis ornare, egentes turpiter inanesque discederent.

[1] Just as to wish to know the unknown is of the prudent, so to dissimulate things ascertained is dementia, especially at that time when a noxious matter can arrive at a most swift correction. For by frequent probation we have learned that in Lucania there is a conventus which by ancient superstition has taken the name Leucothea, because there the water is transparent with excessive whiteness, and that by illicit presumptions the resources of rustics doing business have often been lacerated by hostile depredation, so that those who had come most religiously to have the natal day of Saint Cyprian carried out and to adorn with their merchandises the face of civilitas, departed needy and shamefully empty.

[2] Hoc nos simplici ac facili remedio credidimus corrigendum, ut spectabilitas vestra praedicto tempore una cum possessoribus atque conductoribus diversarum massarum, quietem convenientium anticipata debeat cautela procurare, ne atrocis facti reos inveniat, quos poena consumat. quod si aliquis rusticorum vel cuiuslibet loci homo causa nefandae litis advenerit, inter ipsa initia comprehensus fustuariae subdatur protinus ultioni et pompatus mala vota corrigat, qui prius occultum facinus excitare temptabat.

[2] We have believed this should be corrected by a simple and easy remedy: that Your Spectability, at the aforesaid time, together with the possessors and lessees of the various estates, by precaution taken in advance ought to procure the quiet of those assembling, lest there be found guilty of an atrocious deed those whom punishment would consume. But if any of the rustics, or a man from any place whatsoever, should arrive for the sake of a nefarious dispute, seized at the very outset let him be subjected at once to cudgeling vengeance, and, being paraded, let him correct evil wishes—he who previously was attempting to rouse a hidden crime.

[3] Est enim conventus iste et nimia celebritate festivus et circumiectis provinciis valde proficuus. quicquid enim praecipuum aut industriosa mittit Campania aut opulenti Bruttii aut Calabri peculiosi aut Apuli idonei vel ipsa potest habere provincia, in ornatum pulcherrimae illius venalitatis exponitur, ut merito tam ingentem copiam iudices de multis regionibus aggregatam. videas enim illic conlucere pulcherrimis stationibus latissimos campos et de amoenis frondibus intextas subito momentaneas domos, populorum cantantium laetantiumque discursum.

[3] For this convocation is festive with excessive celebrity and very profitable to the provinces lying around. For whatever outstanding thing either industrious Campania sends, or the opulent Bruttii, or the pecunious Calabri, or the idoneous Apulians, or which the province itself can have, is set forth for the adornment of that most beautiful market, so that you may rightly judge so huge an abundance gathered from many regions. For you may see there the very broad fields shining with the most beautiful stalls, and sudden momentary houses woven from pleasant fronds, the running to and fro of peoples singing and rejoicing.

[4] Ubi licet non conspicias operam moenium, videas tamen opinatissimae civitatis ornatum. praesto sunt pueri ac puellae diverso sexu atque aetate conspicui, quos non fecit captivitas esse sub pretio, sed libertas: hos merito parentes vendunt, quoniam de ipsa famulatione proficiunt. dubium quippe non est servos posse meliorari, qui de labore agrorum ad urbana servitia transferuntur.

[4] Where, although you may not behold the workmanship of walls, yet you may see the ornament of a most renowned city. Ready at hand are boys and girls, conspicuous in differing sex and age, whom not captivity but liberty has made to be under a price: these their parents rightly vend, since they profit from the very servitude. For there is no doubt that slaves can be ameliorated, who are transferred from the labor of the fields to urban services.

quid vestes referam innumera varietate discretas? quid diversi generis animalia nitere pinguissima? ubi tali cuncta taxatione proponuntur, ut quamlibet emptor fastidiosissimus invitetur.

Why should I recount garments distinguished by innumerable variety? Why the animals of diverse kinds, gleaming, most plump? where all things are set forth with such an assessment that even the most fastidious buyer is invited.

sic de illo commercio nemo ingratus redit, si cuncta probabilis disciplina componit.

Thus from that commerce no one returns ungrateful, if a commendable discipline composes all things.

[5] Est enim et locus ipse camporum amoenitate distensus: suburbanum quoddam Consilinatis antiquissimae civitatis, qui a conditore sanctorum fontium Marcellianum nomen accepit. hic erumpit aquarum perspicua et dulcis ubertas, ubi in modum naturalis antri apsidis fabricata concavitas sic perspicuos liquores emanat, ut vacuum putes lacum, quem non dubitas esse plenissimum. hic perlucidus usque ad fundum patet, ut aspectibus tuis aerem potius apparere iudices, non liquorem.

[5] For indeed the place itself too is extended with the charm of the plains: a certain suburban district of Consilinum, a most ancient city, which from the founder of the holy springs received the name Marcellianum. here bursts forth a transparent and sweet abundance of waters, where a concavity fashioned in the manner of the apse of a natural cavern so lets forth perspicuous liquids, that you would think the pool empty, which you do not doubt is most full. here the pellucid water lies open down to the bottom, so that to your sight you would judge that air rather appears, not liquid.

aemulatur serenum diem aqua subtilissima, nam quicquid in imo geritur, inoffensa oculis claritate monstratur.

The most subtle water emulates a serene day, for whatever is conducted in the depths is displayed to the eyes with unhindered clarity.

[6] Conludunt illic gregatim laetissimi pisces, qui ad manus pascentium sic intrepidi veniunt, tamquam se noverint non esse capiendos: nam qui tale aliquid praesumpsit efficere, mox poenam divinitatis cognoscitur excepisse. longa sunt illius fontis memoranda describere. veniamus ad illud singulare munus sanctumque miraculum.

[6] There the most joyous fish play together in schools, who come to the hands of those feeding them so fearless, as if they knew themselves not to be taken: for whoever has presumed to effect such a thing is soon known to have incurred the punishment of divinity. It would be lengthy to describe the memorable things of that fountain. Let us come to that singular gift and sacred miracle.

[7] Nam cum die sacratae noctis precem baptismatis coeperit sacerdos effundere et de ore sancto sermonum fontes emanare, mox in altum unda prosiliens aquas suas non per meatus solitos dirigit, sed in altitudinem cumulumque transmittit. erigitur brutum elementum sponte sua et quadam devotione sollemni praeparat se miraculis, ut sanctificatio maiestatis possit ostendi. nam cum fons ipse quinque gradus tegat eosque tantum sub tranquillitate possideat, aliis duobus cernitur crescere, quos numquam praeter illud tempus cognoscitur occupare.

[7] For when, on the day of the sacred night, the priest begins to pour forth the prayer of baptism, and from his holy mouth the fountains of words begin to emanate, straightway the wave, springing up on high, does not direct its waters through the accustomed passages, but sends them into height and into a heap. The brute element is raised of its own accord and, by a certain solemn devotion, prepares itself for miracles, so that the sanctification of Majesty can be shown. For although the spring itself covers five steps and possesses only those under tranquillity, it is seen to increase by two others, which it is known never to occupy except at that time.

magnum stupendumque miraculum fluenta labentia sic ad humanos sermones vel stare vel crescere, ut eis credas audiendi studium minime defuisse.

a great and stupendous miracle: that the flowing currents thus, at human sermons, either stand still or rise, so that you would believe that to them the zeal for hearing was by no means lacking.

[8] Fiat omnium sermone venerabilis fons iste caelestis: habeat et Lucania Iordanem suum. ille exemplum baptismatis praestitit, hic sacrum mysterium annua devotione custodit. quapropter et reverentia loci et utilitas rei dare debet populis sanctissimam pacem, quia cunctorum iudicio sceleratissimus habendus est, qui talium dierum gaudia temerare contendet.

[8] Let this heavenly font be venerable in the speech of all: let Lucania also have its own Jordan. That one furnished the exemplar of baptism; this one keeps the sacred mystery with annual devotion. Wherefore both the reverence of the place and the utility of the matter ought to give to the peoples a most holy peace, because by the judgment of all he must be held most criminal who would strive to profane the joys of such days.

relegantur populis et proponantur ista quae diximus, ut cum inulta esse minime creduntur, excedendi licentia non quaeratur.

Let those things which we have said be re-read to the peoples and be set forth, so that, when they are by no means believed to be unavenged, the license of exceeding is not sought.