Epistolae Austrasicae: EPISTOLAE AUSTRASICAE SELECTAE

Accedentibus ad nos legati vestri, Iohannis et Missurius, non mediocriter laetificati suscepimus, dum eorum relationem felicitatem imperii vestri divinitate fundatam crescere et permanere cognovimus inconcussam. Salutantes igitur, serenitati vestro debito indicamus, munera vestra praefatis deportantibus eo a nobis excepta animo, quo a vobis affectu constat fuisse transmissum. Ideoque tam pro largitate muneris quam pro delectatione animorum, quam indicastis vobis praestitam pro eo, quod nos in solium genitoris nostri, ut dignum erat, superna potentia resedere praecepit, inexsolubilem gratiarum actionem inpendimus.

As your legates, John and Missurius, came to us, we welcomed them with no small gladness, when through their report we learned that the felicity of your empire, founded by divinity, grows and remains unshaken. Therefore greeting, we duly make known to Your Serenity that your gifts, conveyed by the aforesaid bearers, were received by us in the same spirit with which it is evident they were sent by you, in affection. And so, both for the largess of the gift and for the delectation of minds which you indicated had been afforded to you on account of this—that supernal power has enjoined that we sit again upon the throne of our father, as was worthy—we render an un-dischargeable thanksgiving.

Illud namque inter omnia valde animis nostris molestiam generavit, quod tantum ac talem principem ac diversarum gentium domitorem post mortem pagina decurrentem videmini lacerari, qui vivens imperatoribus ac regibus vel gentibus universisque fidem inmaculatam promissasque semel amicitias firmis condicionibus conservavit et, pro christianae religionis intuitu, non, ut scribitis, loca sacrosancta distituit, sed magna pagana consumpta excidio suis, Christo auctore, temporibus in meliore culmine revocavit. Nam qualem praefatus princeps, in cui vos obprobrio tanta dixistis, cunctis gentibus fidem servavit, innumerabilium triumphorum, Deo volente, victories declaratur. Amicitias nostras, quas delectabiliter requiritis, stabiliter, rogamus, studeatis, et, quod melius foedere inviolabili permaneant, ab animis vestris, Nullis intercedentibus causis, assistant.

For that thing, among all, generated great vexation in our minds, that you seem, in a page running on after his death, to lacerate so great and such a prince and tamer of diverse nations, who while living preserved for emperors and kings and even for nations and for all an immaculate faith, and friendships once promised under firm conditions; and, for the regard of the Christian religion, he did not, as you write, lay waste the sacrosanct places, but, with great pagan things consumed to destruction by his own forces, with Christ as author, in his times he recalled them to a better pinnacle. For how the aforesaid prince, against whom you have spoken such things in opprobrium, kept faith with all peoples, is declared by the victories of innumerable triumphs, God willing, victories. Our friendships, which you delightfuly seek, we ask that you strive to maintain steadfastly, and, that they may remain the better by an inviolable treaty, from your minds, with no causes intervening, let them stand fast, Nullis intercedentibus causis, assistant.

Explicit.

Here ends.

XIX. DOMINO INLUSTRO ET PRAECELLENTISSIMO DOMNO ET PATRI, IUSTINIANO IMPERATORE, THEODEBERTUS REX.

19. TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST PREEMINENT LORD AND FATHER, JUSTINIAN THE EMPEROR, THEUDEBERT THE KING.

Litteras gloriae vestrae, Andrea comite veniente, suscepimus, quibus indicare dignamini, tria milia virorum in solacium Bregantini patrici dirigere deberemus, Sed moram huius rei legatio vestra fecit--et ratio aliqua, quam per ipsum vobis verbo mandavimus, intercessit--quae ad nos tardius, quam speravimus aut vestra excellentia scripserat, pervenit, quam X. Kalendas Octobris ad nos per . . . accessisse gloria vestra cognoscat. Et ideo, ipso Andrea revertente, amorem nostrum erga imperium vestrum, ut profectus communis habuerit, interveniente caritate, custodire, Deo adiuvante, disponimus, ita ut, cum legatarii vestri ad nos pervenerint, et omnia pro utilitate communi a nostris partibus, Deo auspice, fuerint confirmata, rebus evidentibus, quomodo vos diligamus, adprobatur. Explicit.

We have received the letters of your Glory, as Count Andrew was coming, in which you deign to indicate that we ought to direct 3,000 men in support of the Patrician of Bregantia. But your legation made delay in this matter—and some rationale, which through him we conveyed to you by word, intervened—which reached us later than we hoped or than your Excellency had written, so that your Glory may know that he reached us by . . . on 22 September. And therefore, with Andrew himself returning, we dispose, God helping, to preserve our love toward your Empire, so that there may be common progress, with charity intervening; such that, when your legates shall have come to us, and all things for the common utility, on our side, with God as auspice, shall have been confirmed, by evident matters it is approved how we love you. Here ends.

XX. DOMINO INLUSTRO ET PRAECELLENTISSIMO DOMNO ET PATRI, IUSTINIANO IMPERATORE, THEODEBERTUS REX.

20. TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST PREEMINENT LORD AND FATHER, EMPEROR JUSTINIAN, KING THEUDEBERT.

Theodorus vir expectabilis cum Solomonem pariter veniens, litteras, quas imperii vestri dementia distinavit, integra animi caritate et devotions suscepimus, quia, cum de nobis curam geritis, sic latius per diversas gentes adque provincias Dei amatam amicitiam propagamus. Id vero, quod dignamini esse solliciti, in quibus provinciis habitemus aut quae gentes nostrae sint, Deo adiutore, dicione subiecte: Dei nostri miscericordiam feliciter subactis Thoringiis et eorum provinciis adquisitis, extinctis ipsorum tunc tempore regibus, Norsavorum itaque gentem nobis placata maiestate, colla subdentibus edictis ideoque, Deo propitio, Wesigotis, incolomes Franciae, septentrionalem plagam Italiaeque Pannoniae cum Saxonibus, Euciis, qui se nobis voluntate prop,ria tradiderunt, per Danubium et limitem Pannoniae usque in oceanis litoribus custodiente Deo dominatio nostra porrigetur. Et quia scimus, augustam celsitudinem vestram de profectu cathalicorum, sicut etiam littere vestrae testantur, plena animi iucunditate gaudere, ideo est.

Theodorus, a man of note, coming together with Solomon, brought the letters which the clemency of your empire dispatched; we received them with undivided charity of mind and devotion, because, as you take care for us, thus we more broadly propagate through diverse nations and provinces the friendship beloved of God. As to that which you deign to be solicitous about— in which provinces we dwell, or what peoples are ours, subject to our dominion, with God as helper: by the mercy of our God, the Thuringians having been happily subdued and their provinces acquired, their kings at that time extinguished, and likewise the nation of the Norsavi, our majesty appeased, bending their necks to our edicts; and therefore, God being propitious, with the Visigoths, with Francia unharmed, the northern quarter and Italy and Pannonia, together with the Saxons and the Eucii, who of their own will surrendered themselves to us— along the Danube and the frontier of Pannonia as far as the shores of the Ocean, with God guarding, our dominion is extended. And because we know that your august loftiness rejoices with full gladness of mind at the progress of the Catholics, just as your letters also testify, so it is.

quod secundum voluntatem vestram, quae Deus nobis concesserit, simplici relatione mandamus, desiderantibus animis exoptantes, ut felicibus gloria vestra ita valeat, ut antiquam retroactorum principum amicitiam conservetisg et gratiam, quam sepius promittitis, in communi utilitate iungamur. Explicit.

which, in accordance with your will, whatever God has granted to us, we convey in simple relation, with desiring minds earnestly wishing that your glory may so prevail with prosperities that you may conserve the ancient friendship of bygone princes, and that, in the common utility, we may be joined in the favor which you often promise. It ends.

XXVI. DOMINO GLORIOSO, PIO, PERPETUO, INCLITO, TRIUMPHATORE AC SEMPER PER AUGUSTO, MAURICIO IMPERATORE, BRUNICHILDIS REGINA.

26. TO THE LORD GLORIOUS, PIOUS, PERPETUAL, ILLUSTRIOUS, A TRIUMPHER AND EVER AUGUSTUS, MAURICE THE EMPEROR, BRUNICHILDIS THE QUEEN.

Serenissimi principatus vestri dementia ad praecellentissimum filium nostrum, Hildebertum regem, directa pervenit epistula: significamus nos pacis dedisse consilium. Quapropter tranquillissime pietatis vestrae debito tanti culminis honore salutis officia reverentissime persolventes, sicut legatariis partis vestrae promisimus, praesentium latores ad clementiam vestram directi sunt, quibus de certis titulis vestrae serenitatis verbo proferenda conmisimus. His igitur benignissime ad tranquillitati vestrae receptis ac deliciter remeantibus, illud vestris agnoscere mereamur eloquiis, quod prosit rebus omnibus foederatis

By the clemency of your most serene principate a letter, addressed to our most preeminent son, King Hildebert, has arrived: we signify that we have given counsel for peace. Wherefore, most tranquil one, while most reverently discharging the offices of salutation with the honor of so great a height owed to your piety, as we promised to the legates of your party, the bearers of these presents have been directed to your clemency, to whom we have entrusted certain heads, to be brought forward by word, concerning your Serenity. These therefore, when they have been most kindly received by your Tranquillity and return graciously, may we deserve to learn from your utterances that which may profit all federated interests.

XXVIII. DOMINO GLORIOSISSIMO ET UBIQUE PRAECELSO, DULCISSIMO NEPOTI, ATHANAGYLDO REGI, HILDEBERTUS REX.

28. TO THE MOST GLORIOUS LORD AND EVERYWHERE PREEMINENT, TO THE SWEETEST GRANDSON, KING ATHANAGILD, KING HILDEBERT.

Praesentis oportunitatis relevamur compendia, per quam, quod parentillae redhibemus ex affectu, saltim epistularum repraesentemus eloquio. Quapropter praecelse gloriae vestrae salutis officia iure propinquitatis desiderabiliter exsolventes et confidenter optantes, ut de vestra nos laetificare incolomitate praecipiat, qui singulorum desideria et secretorum novit arcana, significandum curavimus, ad serenissimum principem Romane reipublicae praesentium nos, Christo propitiante, pro communi utilitate laegatarum direxisse, quibus praedicto augusto vel feliciter vos, gubernante Domino, praesentatis poteritis sollicite requirentes agnoscere, quid pro vestris condicionibus deliberate nos certum est et optare. Superest, ut effectum pacificatis partibus tribuat, humana consilia et rerum condita qui gubernat.

Praesent we are relieved by the expedients of the present opportunity, through which what we repay to kindred by affection we at least may present in the eloquence of letters. Wherefore, desirably discharging the offices of greeting to your most-exalted glory by the right of propinquity, and confidently wishing that He who knows the desideria of individuals and the arcana of secrets may bid us rejoice in your well-being, we have taken care to signify that we, Christ propitious, for the common utility have sent the bearers of these presents to the most serene prince of the Roman commonwealth; by whom, when they are presented either to the aforesaid Augustus or, with the Lord governing, to you happily, you will be able, by diligent inquiry, to recognize what it is that we have determined as certain and to desire concerning your conditions. It remains that He who governs human counsels and the established order of things may grant effect to the pacified parties.

Finit.

It ends.

XXIX. DOMINAE GLORIOSAE ATQUE INCLITE AUGUSTE ANASTASIE BRUNEHILDIS REGINA.

29. TO THE GLORIOUS AND ILLUSTRIOUS AUGUSTA ANASTASIA, QUEEN BRUNEHILD.

Serenissime dominationi vestrae, quam, tribuente Domino, summo principe coniuge Romanum cognovimus rempublicam gubernare et praecipuo culmine subiectis illis partibus dominari, summa devotions salutis officia reverentissimae persolventes, significamus, praesentium legatarios praecellentissimi filii nostri, Hildeberti regis, ad vos causa communis utilitatis, si Christus effectum tribuit, fiducialiter direxisse, quibus, ut confidimus, dignanter receptis, et his, quae verbo mandavimus, patefactis, tali serenissimo principi ministrate consilio, per quod, dum inter utramque gentem pacis causa conectitur, coniuncta gratia principum subiectarum generent beneficia regionum. Finit.

To your Most Serene Dominion, whom, the Lord granting, we have known, as spouse of the highest prince, to govern the Roman commonwealth and to rule from a preeminent pinnacle over those parts that are subject, rendering the highest offices of salvation of our devotion to your most reverend self, we make it known that we have confidently directed to you the bearers of these presents, legates of our most preeminent son, King Hildebert, for the cause of the common utility, if Christ grants the effect; and these—once, as we trust, they are worthily received, and the things which we have mandated by word are laid open—do minister counsel to such a most serene prince, whereby, while for the sake of peace a bond is knit between either nation, the conjoined favor of the princes may generate benefits for the subjected regions. It ends.

XXX.

30.

Tranquillitatis vestrae supereminlqns dignitas, quae cursu prosperitatis vos extulit, rempublicam felicissime regere, hortatur nos efficaciter, si Christi dictum placuerit, amicitiarum foedera propagate. Quapropter serenissime gloriae vestre salutis officia reverentissime persolventes, (significamus), praesentium legatarios nostros ad piissimi augusti vel vestram praesentiam fiducialiter communis utilitatis vos studio direxisse, quibus dignanter receptis, illud serenissimo principi adhibete consilii, quod utrisque gentibus pacis gratis sociatas proficiat partibus, quas pariter sinceros praestante Christo nectit affectus.

The supereminent dignity of your Tranquility, which by the course of prosperity has exalted you to rule the commonwealth most felicitously, effectively exhorts us, if Christ’s dictum shall be pleasing, to propagate treaties of friendships. Wherefore, most reverently paying the offices of health to your most serene glory, (we signify), that we have confidently directed the envoys of the present to the presence of the most pious Augustus and to your presence, with zeal for the common utility; and they being graciously received, apply that counsel to the most serene prince which may profit both peoples, the parties joined by the favors of peace, whom alike the sincere affection, with Christ bestowing, binds together.

XXXI. DOMINO SANCTO ET APOSTOLICA SEDE COLENDO IN CHRISTO PATRI, IOHANNE EPISCOPO, HILDEBERTUS REX.

31. TO THE HOLY LORD AND FATHER IN CHRIST, TO BE VENERATED BY THE APOSTOLIC SEE, BISHOP JOHN, KING HILDEBERT.

Beatissime vestrae sanctitati per cuncta currens opinio, quae prius implens orientem tot regiones pertransiit, qui sumus ab septentrionem, ut ad nos usque pertingeret et operum vestrorum laudem nobis etiam longinque positis non taceret, conpellit nos ex gratia repraesentari per paginam, quos dividunt itinera et distantium locorum segregant intervalla. Quapropter apostolicae corone ac beate sanctitati vestrae vene abiliter salutantes officia porrigentes et, ut nos piis obsecrationibus memores iubeatis, poscentes, quia tota vestrae benedictionis adtentio laborat, quo fuerit pro Concordia populorum, et nostris sedit animis cum principe Romano pacis amplecti commercium, praesentium nostros legatarios ad partes illos direximus, quibus pro utilitati communi vestrae gratiae praesentatis, si qua intimaverint, de iniunctis ita pia sollicitudine pertractetis, qualiter proficiat populis et prositregionibus utrisque gentibus perpetualiter, praestante Domino, foederatis. Explicit.

Most blessed, the report running through all things of your sanctity, which, first filling the East, has traversed so many regions, has reached us who are from the North, so that it should come even to us and not be silent, even to those of us set far away, about the praise of your works, compels us, out of grace, to be represented by a page, we whom journeys divide and the intervals of distant places segregate. Wherefore, venerably saluting the apostolic crown and your blessed sanctity, extending our services, and asking that you bid to be mindful of us in pious supplications, since the whole attention of your benediction labors to be for the Concord of peoples, and it has settled in our minds with the Roman prince to embrace the commerce of peace, we have directed the bearers of the present, our legates, to those parts, who, when presented to your grace for the common utility, whatever they shall intimate, may you treat the matters enjoined with such pious solicitude that it may make progress for the peoples and be of profit to the regions, to both nations perpetually, the Lord granting, being confederated. Here ends.

XXXII. INCIPIT AD HONORATUM APOCHRISARIUM. CHILDEBERTUS REX.

32. HERE BEGINS TO HONORATUS THE APOCRISIARY. CHILDEBERT KING.

Meritorum vestrorum clarificata praeconia, quibus enituistis per gratiam ita vos inter concives magnos extulerunt in patria, ut vece vos Honoratus ipsa praeferant peregrina. Quapropter sanctae venerationi vestrae reverenter salutis officia persolv6ns et, ut nos sanctis intercessionibus commemorare dignemini, deposcentes: noverit beatitude vestra, praesentium legatarios nostros, Domino prosperante, ad principem Romane reipublicae causa future concordie et communis utilitatis providentiam direxisse, qui cum vestrae sanctitati, dum feliciter sibi demandata contulerint, ita, Christo mediante, pertractate consulter ut inter utramque gentim consolidata pace, divinitate praesule, compendia proficient in communis. Finit.

The clarified proclamations of your merits, by which you have striven through grace, have so exalted you among your great fellow-citizens in your fatherland that, by their voice, they themselves set you, Honoratus, forth as preeminent even among foreigners. Wherefore, paying with reverence the offices of greeting to your holy veneration, and beseeching that you deign to remember us in holy intercessions: let your Beatitude know that, with the Lord prospering, we have directed our legates bearing these presents to the prince of the Roman republic for the sake of future concord and the providence of common utility; who, when they shall have happily delivered what was entrusted to them to your Sanctity, should, Christ mediating, so handle and take counsel that, with peace consolidated between both peoples, Divinity presiding, advantages may advance in common. It ends.

XXXIII. DOMINO SANCTO SANCTISQUE VIRTUTIBUS PRAEFERENDO IN CHRISTO PATRI, DOMITIANO EPISCOPO, HILDEBERTUS REX.

33. TO THE HOLY LORD AND FATHER IN CHRIST, TO BE PREFERRED FOR HOLY VIRTUES, BISHOP DOMITIANUS, HILDEBERT THE KING.

Opinionis vestrae laus effusa praeconiis admonet nos, peculiariter vestrae sanctitatis amiatiis copulare. Quod cum fuerimus votis felicibus consecuti et nos obtineamus de oratione suffragium, vos etiam adquiritis multae caritatis augmentum. Qua de re beato apostolatui vestro venerabiliter salutis officia persolventes et, ut nos sacris intercessionibus memores esse dignemini, fusa prece poscentes, notitiae vestrae deferimus, nos praesentium latores, legatarios nostros, communi pro utilitate ad tranquillissimum Romane reipublicae principi direxisse, qui placabiliter excepti, cum vestrae beatitudine ex nostra demendatione commissa sibi contulerint, illud administretis augusti potestati consilium, quod utrisque partibus, propitiante Domino, proficiat communiter saluberrime foederatis.

The praise of your reputation, poured forth in proclamations, admonishes us to couple ourselves in a special manner to the friendships of your holiness. Which, when we shall have attained with happy vows and as we obtain the suffrage of prayer, you also acquire an increase of much charity. Wherefore, reverently paying the offices of greeting to your blessed apostolate, and with prayer poured forth beseeching that you deign to be mindful of us in sacred intercessions, we convey to your knowledge that we have directed the bearers of these presents—our legates—for the common utility to the most tranquil prince of the Roman republic; who, being graciously received, when they shall have conferred with your beatitude concerning the matters committed to them by our commendation, may you supply to the august power that counsel which, the Lord being propitious, may most healthfully profit both parties in common, as by treaty they are joined.

Finit.

It ends.

XXXIV. CHILDEBERTUS REX FRANCORUM VIRO GLORIOSO, THEODORO MAGISTRO.

34. CHILDEBERT, KING OF THE FRANKS, TO THE GLORIOUS MAN, THEODORE, MAGISTER.

Praelati magisterii dignitus excolenda, quae, licet per se magna sit, ut cognovimus, magis facta sit ordinatione praeclara, hortatur nos, amicitiis inseri, quos agnoscimus dignis actibus praedicari. Quapropter gloriose magnificentiae vestrae salutis officia fiducialiter inpendentes et de vestra incolomitatis stabilitate gaudentes, speramus, ut, quoniam seniores parentes nostri, Francorum reges, cum tranquillissimo Romane reipublice principe caritatis studia deliberaverunt excolere, quae nos magis elegimus ampliare, praesentium legatarios nostros studuimus ad praedictum augustum dirigere, cum aliqua ex mandatis sibi commissis tribuitis aditum coriferendi. Ita salubri tractatu piissimo principi consilium ministrate, ut inter utramque gentem copulata caritate, quod possit prodesse communiter, per coniunctum voluntatem compendia consurgant in pace, et fructus sit particeps, quicquid consultissime ipsis donatum fuerit in reponsis.

The dignity of the elevated magistery, to be cultivated worthily, which, although great in itself, as we have learned, has been made greater by illustrious ordination, urges us to be inserted into friendships with those whom we acknowledge to be proclaimed by worthy acts. Wherefore, confidently expending the offices of greeting to your glorious magnificence and rejoicing in the stability of your soundness, we hope that, since our elders, our parents, the kings of the Franks, resolved to cultivate the pursuits of charity with the most tranquil prince of the Roman republic—which we have chosen rather to amplify—we have endeavored to direct our legates, the bearers of these presents, to the aforesaid Augustus, that, together with some of the mandates entrusted to them, you may grant them access for conferring. Thus, by a salubrious handling, supply counsel to the most pious prince, so that, with charity coupled between each nation, whatever can profit in common, through a conjoined will advantages may arise in peace, and the fruit be shared, whatever shall have been most advisedly granted to them in the responses.

Finit.

It ends.

XXXV. SIMILI PROLOGO AD IOHANNEM QUESTOREM, HOC EST CONSILIARIUM.

35. A SIMILAR PROLOGUE TO JOHN THE QUAESTOR, THAT IS, A COUNSELOR.

Gloriosae vestrae dignitatis insignia, quae vos extulerunt, magis actibus inlustrata. faciunt: hinc etiam a nobis praedicari per gratiam, quos sibi sociaverunt principis cauta consilia. Idcirco gloriosae magnificentiae vestrae salutis officia copiosissime persolventes, significamus, ad tranquillissimum principem Romane reipublice nos praesentium legatarios nostros communis utilitatis studio direxisse; qui si qua de negotio sibi iniuncto contulerint, ita deliberate serenissimo cum augusto, ut, dum inter utramque gentem pacis semina seritis et studia propagates inmuniter, proficiat vestris nostrisque partibus felicissime, quod censitis.

The insignia of your glorious dignity, which have borne you aloft, made more illustrious by deeds. bring it about: hence also that those whom the cautious counsels of the prince have associated with himself are proclaimed by us by favor. Therefore, most abundantly rendering the offices of greeting to your glorious magnificence, we signify that we have directed our present legates to the most tranquil prince of the Roman commonwealth with zeal for the common utility; who, if they shall have conferred anything concerning the business enjoined upon them, let them so deliberate with the most serene Augustus, that, while you sow the seeds of peace between both peoples and propagate endeavors without hindrance, what you judge may most happily profit both your side and ours.

XXXVI. SIMILI PROLOGO AD MEGANTEM CURATOREM.

36. WITH A SIMILAR PROLOGUE TO MEGANTEM, CURATOR.

Celsitudinis vestrae agnoscentes dignitatem meritis inlustratam, oportunum duximus, distinare vel litterarum conloquia, quorum per longa intervalla non adhibetur praesentia. Idcirco gloriose magnitudini vestrae salutationis iura honorifice persolventes, significamus, praesentium legatarios nostros studio catholice caritatis ad tranquillissimum principem Romane reipublicae devinctissime distinasse; quibus benigne receptis, cum sibi verbo demandata cum vestra magnificentia fideliter contulerint, illud pro utilitate utrorumque gentium augusto suggerite, ut pacificis partibus gratulemus pariter suae potestati vos consiliis adherere.

Recognizing the dignity of your Highness, made illustrious by merits, we have deemed it opportune to establish even a colloquy of letters, whose presence is not afforded over long intervals. Therefore, honorably rendering the rights of salutation to your glorious Magnitude, we signify that, by the zeal of catholic charity, we have most devotedly dispatched the bearers of these presents—our legates—to the most tranquil prince of the Roman republic; and, they being kindly received, when they shall have faithfully conferred by word the matters entrusted to them with your Magnificence, suggest this to the Augustus for the advantage of both nations: that we may together rejoice, on pacific terms, that by your counsels you adhere to his power.

XXXVII. CHILDEBERTUS REX FRANCORUM VIRO GLORIOSO ATQUE PRAECELSO PAULO, HOC EST PATREM IMPERATOREM.

37. CHILDEBERT, KING OF THE FRANKS, TO THE GLORIOUS AND PREEMINENT MAN PAUL, THAT IS, THE FATHER EMPEROR.

Praecelse potestati vestrae generosa praeconia, quae vos tantum extulerunt, divinitate propitia, ut de vestro, germine procrearetur feliciter, qui gubernaret imperial nobis prospere nuntiata provocat, ut, quos affectu columus, missis etiam epistolis ambiamus. Quapropter praecellentissime gloriae vestrae prumpta caritatis salutis officia dissolventes et vestris amicitiis nos sincerissime committentes significare curavimus, praesentium legatarios nostros ad tranquillissimum principem Romane reipublice, si Dei dicto conplacet, causa communis utilitatis studiosissime distinasse; qui Christo propitio, cum vobis sibi verba commissa detulerint, cum serenissimo augusto salubriter pertractate et, inter utramque gentem quae paci conveniunt, ad prospera feliciter deliberations perducite, quatenus, qui in vobis vestrisque societatem caritatis inlaesae requiremus, recipiamus in responses de foederatis utrisque partibus, quod optamus. Finit.

To your most-exalted power, the generous proclamations which, with divinity propitious, have so greatly exalted you—that from your stock there was happily begotten one who would govern the empire—having been favorably announced to us, prompts us to approach, by letters also sent, those whom we cherish with affection. Wherefore, discharging the offices of greeting of prompt charity to your most-preeminent glory, and committing ourselves most sincerely to your friendships, we have taken care to signify that we have most zealously dispatched the bearers of the present as our legates to the most tranquil prince of the Roman republic, if it pleases by God’s dictum, for the cause of common utility; who, Christ being propitious, when they shall have brought to you the words entrusted to them, do you discuss to salutary effect with the most serene Augustus, and, between both peoples, those things which agree with peace, lead the deliberations happily to prosperous outcomes, to the end that we—who seek in you and yours a fellowship of unharmed charity—may receive in responses, concerning both parties federated, that which we desire. The end.

XXXVIII. CHILDEBERTUS REX FRANCORUM INLUSTRO ATQUE MAGNIFICENTISSIME ITALICAE PATRICIAE.

38. CHILDEBERT, KING OF THE FRANKS, TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND MOST MAGNIFICENT PATRICIA OF ITALY.

Gloriosae dignitatis vestrae ad nos felicter opinione delata, votivum nobis extitit, quam praeferri fama cognovimus, ut commeantibus litteris amicabiliter inquiramus. Quapropter gloriose celsitudinis vestrae salutis officia praedicabiliter exsolventes et, ut de vobis iugiter prospera cognoscere valeamus, optantes, notitiae vestre deferimus, praesentium legatarios nostros ad serenissimum principem Romane reipublicae, si Domini dictu conplacet, utilitatis communis studio fiducialiter distinasse; qui cum caelesti favore vobiscum aliqua sibi mandata contulerint, illud impendatis salubri consilii, quos, pacificatis utrisque gentibus, prosit regionibus pariter atque regnantibus, et habeat utraque pars vicissitudinarium de se sibi, Domino subministrante, solacium.

The report of your glorious dignity, felicitously conveyed to us, became for us a votive desire—since we have learned that it is borne forth by fame—that we should inquire in friendly wise by letters that go to and fro. Wherefore, laudably discharging the offices of greeting to your glorious loftiness, and desiring that we may be able continually to learn prosperous things concerning you, we bring to your notice that we have confidently dispatched the bearers of these presents as our legates to the most serene prince of the Roman commonwealth, if by the Lord’s dictum it pleases, with zeal for the common utility; who, with heavenly favor, when they have conferred with you about certain matters entrusted to them, may receive from you that which you bestow of wholesome counsel—such as, with both peoples pacified, may profit the regions equally as well as the rulers—and let each party, the Lord supplying, have for itself a vicissitudinary solace from itself.

XXXIX. CHILDEBERTUS REX FRANCORUM VIRO GLORIOSO, UBIQUE CELSIS LAUDIBUS PRAEFERENDO, VENANTIO PATRICIO.

39. CHILDEBERT, KING OF THE FRANKS, TO THE GLORIOUS MAN, EVERYWHERE TO BE PREFERRED WITH EXALTED LAUDATIONS, VENANTIUS, PATRICIAN.

Exigit a nobis tam generositatis vestrae quam actionis praeconia, ut alloquamur epistolis, amicitiis quos ambimus, Idcirco gloriosissine eminentiae vestrae salutationis iura devinctissime persolventes et, quae incolomitati conveniunt, de vobis constanter optantes, vestrae cognitioni deponimus, praesentium nostros legatarios ad clementiam serenissimi principis distinasse, Romanum rempublicam gubernantes; quibus, Christo praesule, praesentatis, cum amplitudine vestra si qua pro communi utilitate, pacatis utrisque gentibus, videbuntur conferre, ea ratione recipite, ut augusti potestati a vobis inpenso consilio illud decernantur, quae vestris nostrisque partibus unitis studio proficient communiter et indissolubiliter in futuro. Finit.

Both the panegyrics of your generosity and of your action require of us that we address by epistles those friendships which we aspire to; therefore, most devotedly discharging the rights of salutation to your most glorious Eminence, and constantly wishing for you the things that pertain to safety, we lay before your cognizance that we have destined the bearers of these presents, our legates, to the clemency of the most serene prince, who governs the Roman commonwealth; and when they have been presented, Christ presiding, if with your Eminence there shall seem anything to contribute to the common utility, with both nations pacified, receive it on this rationale: that, by counsel expended by you, there be decreed to the august power those things which, with our side and yours united in zeal, may profit in common and indissolubly in the future. It ends.

XL. INCIPIT LITTERAS DE ROMANORUM IMPERATORE DIRECTAS AD DOMNUM REGEM.

40. HERE BEGINS THE LETTER FROM THE EMPEROR OF THE ROMANS DIRECTED TO THE LORD KING.

Cum bona omnia dignis operibus conferantur, quantum tibi pro amore orthodoxae fidei, quantum pro intentione, quam geris, eripiendi christiani sanguinis, meritis tuis iure conlatum est, ut de solio, unde alii summum decus percipiunt, vestra gloria ipsi regno ornaments non solum de ineffabilibus dispositionibus vestris, sed de filiis et nepotibus ministravit. Scientes enim, quia divinitas celsitudinem vestram summis ad se colendum beneficiis provocavit, augere nos credimus studium, per quod regni vestri stabilitas maiora fundaments suscipiat, ut filiorum et nepotum vita servetur et gloria regni, quae tibi duplicate videtur per filium, triplicate regnando nepotis muniatur, Dei mandata complendo.

Since all good things are conferred upon worthy works, how much to you, for the love of the orthodox faith, and how much for the intention you bear of rescuing Christian blood, has by right been conferred to your merits, so that from the throne whence others receive the highest honor, your glory has ministered ornaments to the kingdom itself, not only from your ineffable dispositions, but from your sons and grandsons. For knowing that Divinity has provoked your Celsitude by the highest benefactions to worship itself, we believe we augment the zeal by which the stability of your kingdom may receive greater foundations, so that the life of sons and grandsons may be preserved and the glory of the kingdom—which seems to you doubled through the son—may be fortified tripled by the reigning of the grandson, by fulfilling the mandates of God.

Veniente itaque Andrea, viro magnifico, illa, que nobis de christianitate vestra opinio vera detulerat, eius relations cognoscendo maiora velut praesentes et videntes, quae narrabat, amplius quam pridem venerando coepimus exultare. Ex hoc ergo, quae ad mercedem anime vestrae pertinent, posci minime expectatis, sed magnis vos credimus voluntatem petentium preaevenire. Exposuit ergo nobis, quam prumptissimo animo vel devotione integra florentissimum Francorum exercitum ad liberationem Italie gloria vestra direxerat.

Therefore, upon the coming of Andrew, a magnificent man, by learning his relation we began to exult more than formerly at greater things, as though present and seeing what he narrated—those very matters which a true opinion had conveyed to us about your Christianity. From this, then, in the things that pertain to the reward of your soul, you in no way await to be asked, but we believe that by great deeds you anticipate the will of the petitioners. He set forth to us, therefore, that with a most prompt spirit and with entire devotion your glory had directed the most flourishing army of the Franks to the liberation of Italy.

Quae omnia de devotions et christianissima voluntate vestra vel instantia, qua desideratis Italiam liberari, clementissimo principi meo domino, et sorori vestrae, serenissime auguste, specialiter, sicut Andreas suprascriptas, vir magnificus, nobis rettulit, nunciavi.

All which things, concerning your devotion and most Christian will and the urgency with which you desire Italy to be liberated, I announced to my most clement prince, my lord, and to your sister, the most serene Augusta, especially, just as Andreas, aforesaid, a magnificent man, reported to us.

Ante vero quam fines Italiae vestri duces ingrederentur, Deus pro sua pietate vestrisque orationibus et Motennensen civitatem nos pugnando ingredi fecit pariter et Altinonam et Mantuanam civitatem pugnando et rumpendo muros, ut Francorum videret exercitus, Deo adiutore, sumus ingressi: festinantes, ne gente nefandissimae Langobardorum se contra Francorum exercitum adunare liceret, et Heno viro magnifico, in viginti milibus prope Veronensi civitate resedente, ad quem necessarium duximus sine mora diregere, sperantes ab eo, ut nos videremus in comminus et, quae essent utilia ad delendam gentem perfidam, disponeremus communi consilio. Sed, ut cognovimus, iam ad Autharit et Henus suam legationem transmiserat, et de pace aliqua cum eo fuerat iam depectus, antequam ad me duces vestri venirent. Leudefredum tamen, Olfigandum et Raudingum, viros magnificos, duces ad nos direxit, quos, sicut decuit propter gratiam gloriae vestrae, cum omni honore suscipi, quibus etiam et munifici fuimus.

But before your dukes entered the borders of Italy, God, by his piety and your prayers, made us enter by fighting the Motennensian city, and likewise Altinona and the Mantuan city, by fighting and breaking the walls; so that the army of the Franks might see that, with God as helper, we entered. Hastening, lest it be permitted for the most unspeakable nation of the Langobards to unite themselves against the army of the Franks, and with Heno, a magnificent man, stationed at twenty miles near the city of Verona—to whom we judged it necessary to send without delay—hoping from him that we might meet at close quarters and, by common counsel, arrange what would be useful for blotting out the perfidious nation. But, as we learned, Heno had already sent his legation to Autharit and had already struck some peace with him, before your dukes came to me. Nevertheless he sent Leudefredus, Olfigandus, and Raudingus, magnificent men, dukes, to us; whom, as was fitting on account of the favor of your glory, we received with every honor, and we were munificent to them as well.

Et hoc habuimus in tractatu, quia Autharit se in Ticeno inclauserat aliique duces omnesque eius exercitus per diversa se castella reclauserat, ut nos cum Romano exercitu et dromonibus et Heno ab alia parte in vicinio, sicut diximus, in viginti milibus resendente, ab obsedendum Autharit veniremus - eoque capto maxima pars fuerat adquaesitem victuriae - et tunc demum, si forte aliqua cum eis loquenda est, ut faciende essent, omnia prius ad vestram notitiam differrentur. Quam rem et Francorum florentissimus, credemus, quia facere volebat exercitus. Quibus autem modis eos rogabamus et ortabamur, epistularum exemplarebus vestra gloriosa christianitas poterit informari; dum vos contra inimicos Dei et communes sine ducum vestrorum consilio aliquid loqui vel agere non pertulemus, illi, sicut diximus, ab initio cum ipsis locutionem habentes, in omnibus nobis omissi, pacem cum ipsis decem mensuum facientes, habente revera et praedae cupiam, et salus dum comitaretur exercitum, pro suo ducis arbitrium sequente iam exercitum, subito discesserunt.

And we had this in the tractation: that Autharit had enclosed himself in Ticinum, and the other dukes and all his army had shut themselves up in various strongholds, so that we, with the Roman army and the dromons, and Heno on the other side in the neighborhood, as we have said, being stationed at twenty miles, might come for the besieging of Autharit — and he being taken, the greatest part of victory would have been acquired — and then at last, if perchance anything had to be spoken with them, as to what should be done, all things should first be deferred to your notice. And we believe that the most flourishing army of the Franks wished to do this. By what methods we begged and exhorted them your glorious Christianity can be informed by the exemplars of the letters; since we did not permit you, against the enemies of God and our common [enemies], to say or to do anything without the counsel of your dukes, they, as we have said, having from the beginning a conference with them, having left us out in everything, making a peace of ten months with them, and indeed, with both a lust for booty being present and safety while it accompanied the army, the army now following the arbitrium of its own duke, suddenly departed.

Et haec res qualem vos et laudem et mercedem abstulit, considerate vos credimus et dolere, quia, si adhuc modicum tempus sustinere voluissent vel audire, hodiae Italia a gente Langbbardorum nefandissima libera habuit repperiri et universa nefandissimi Autharit regis ad vestram excellentiam habuerunt deferri, vestraque, etsi tardius fuerat, completa est promissio re vera, dum neque intra muros Langobardi totus se esse putabant.nec Francis praesumebant obsistere.

And consider what sort of praise and reward this affair has stripped from you; we believe you also to grieve, because, if they had been willing to sustain or to listen for a little time more, today Italy would have been found free from the most nefarious nation of the Langobards, and all the things of the most nefarious King Autharit would have been borne to your Excellency, and your promise, even if it had been later, would truly have been fulfilled, since neither within the walls did the Langobards think themselves safe, nor did they presume to withstand the Franks.

Unde salutationis officia cum honore dignissimo persolventes, speramus, ut vel nunc, sicut regni vestri christianitas habet cogitare, in iubeatis ereptione christiani sanguinis et de ecclesiarum reseratione pro eripiendis sacerdotibus, qui de eorum immolatione evadere potuerunt, convenienti tempore dignos duces, qui praecepta vestra impleant, et exercitum dirigere; ut, quam patri vestro fecistis, impleatur promissio, antequam gens ipsa nefandissima possit fruges collegere, maxime dum non solas, quas superius diximus, civitates, sed et alias, id eat Parma, Regio adque Placentia est cum suis ducibus atque plurimis Langobardis, Deus sanctae Romanae reipublicae reparavit, ut in tanta talique mercede maxima partem, sicut coepit, regni vestri gloria consequatur. Praeterea quod ex se gloria vestra facere consuevit, implenda deposcimus, ut Romanus, quos praedavit Francorum exercitus, pro mercede vestra et filiorum ac nepotum vestrorum, relaxare praecipiates; quia et alia sunt in pactis posita sacramonta, est, ut captivi debent relaxari; et patris vestri, christianissimi principis, haec est intention ut cottidiae de animarum liberations vobis cum mercedem adquirat. Finit.

Whence, paying the offices of salutation with most worthy honor, we hope that even now, as the Christianity of your realm is wont to consider, you may order, for the rescue of Christian blood and for the re‑opening of the churches, for the snatching‑out of the priests who have been able to escape from their immolation, at a fitting time worthy leaders, who may fulfill your precepts, and an army to be sent forth; so that the promise which you made to your father may be fulfilled, before that most unspeakable nation can gather the crops, especially since not only the cities which we mentioned above, but also others—namely Parma, Reggio, and Piacenza—together with their dukes and very many Lombards, God has restored to the holy Roman commonwealth, so that in so great and such a reward the glory of your kingdom, as it has begun, may obtain the greatest share. Moreover, that which your glory is accustomed of itself to do, we ask to be accomplished: that you command the Romans to release those whom the army of the Franks has carried off as booty, for your reward and that of your sons and grandsons; for there are also other oaths set in the pacts, to wit, that captives ought to be released; and this is the intention of your father, the most Christian prince, that he may daily acquire for you reward from the liberation of souls. It ends.

XLI. DOMINO EXCELLENTISSIMO ATQUE PRAECELLENTISSIMO CHILDEBERTUS REGIS FRANCORUM ROMANUS.

41. TO THE MOST EXCELLENT AND MOST PREEMINENT LORD CHILDEBERT, KING OF THE FRANKS, ROMANUS.

Quantum christianitas regni vestri exquiret cottidae, quid ad placandum Deum debeat exhibere, tantum de christianorum liberations cogitare et facere excellentiam vestram confidimus, gratumque vobis esse, quod pro ipsorum remedio prosperitatem divino fabore constat esse concessam, ut talia tantaque, Deo auctore, promissa tam manefesta Deo misericordia invitet praecellentiam vestram ad participandam mercedem et laudem maximum adquirendam. Olim autem vos audisse credimus de Motena, Altino atque Mantuanam civitates, quia sanctae sunt reipublicae reformate. Praecedentibus autem scriptis nostris designasse nos meminimus, quia, dum ad obsedendum Parma vel Regio atque Placentia civitates proficisceremus, duces Langobardorum ibidem constitute, in Mantuana civitate nobis cum omni festinatione ad subdendum se sancte reipublicae occurrerunt.

As much as the christianitas of your kingdom daily inquires what it ought to exhibit to placate God, so much we trust your Excellency to think about and to effect the liberation of Christians, and that it is pleasing to you that, for their remedy, prosperity is acknowledged to have been granted by divine favor; so that such and so great promises, with God as author, by so manifest a mercy of God, invite your Preeminence to participate in the reward and to acquire the greatest praise. Long ago, moreover, we believe that you have heard about the cities of Motena, Altinum, and Mantua, that they have been restored to the holy republic. And in our preceding writings we recall that we indicated this: that, while we were setting out to besiege the cities of Parma and also Reggio and Piacenza, the leaders of the Lombards, stationed there, in the city of Mantua ran to meet us with all haste to subject themselves to the holy republic.

Quos posteaquam in servitio sancte reipublicae suscepimus, filios eorum in obsedato accipientes, Ravenna remeantes, in Histria provincia contra hostem Grasoulfi deliberavimus ambulare. Quam provinciam venientes, Gisoulfus, vir magnificus, dux, filius Grasoulfi, in iuvennale aetate meliorem se patri cupiens demonstrate, occurrit nobis, ut cum omni devotions sanctae reipublicae se cum suis prioribus et integro suo exercitu, sicut fuit, subderet. Nam et gloriosus Nordoulfus patricius cum dominorum nostrorum gratia in Italia veniens, omnes suos homines ad serviendum serenissimis nostris dominis recollegit diversasque civitates cum Ossone viro glorioso et Romano suo exercitu nostro cum consilio reparavit.

After we had received them into the service of the holy Republic, taking their sons in hostage, and, returning to Ravenna, we resolved to march in the province of Histria against the enemy of Grasoulf. When we came into that province, Gisoulfus, a magnificent man, a duke, the son of Grasoulf, wishing in youthful age to show himself better than his father, met us, so that with all devotion to the holy Republic he might subject himself, with his leading men and his whole army, as it stood. For the glorious Nordoulfus, patrician, coming into Italy with the favor of our lords, recollected all his men to serve our most serene lords, and repaired various cities with Ossone, a glorious man, and with his Roman army, with our counsel.

Et quia excellentiam vestram in eandem promissionem et devotionem, quam semel piissimis patribus vestris dominis promissistis, permanere non ambigimus, maxime dum displicuisse vobis constat, iussiones vestras non inplentibus ducibus fuissent reversos eosque in vestra iracundia constitutes, praecipiat excellentia vestra omni cum celeritate implere ea, quae patribus vestris, piisimis nostris dominis, promisistis, ut de effectu promissionis digna gratia augeatur, eoque tempore dirigantur, ut fruges cunctas inimicorum foris inveniant. Nobisque designare iubete, quibus intineribus vel quo tempore spectentur a nobis, sperantes prae omnibus, ut, dum feliciter Francorum exercitus discenderit, Romani, pro quibus auxilia vestra poscimus, in depraedatione et captivitate non perducantur, sed et eos, quos transacts tempore abstulerunt, relaxari et provinciae restitui iubeatis, ut preterite emendantes, quid in futuro custodire debeant, demonstretis; sed nec fabricas incendi praecipite, ut agnoscatur, quia pro defensione Italiae auxilium christianae gentis habuimus. Finit.

And because we do not doubt that Your Excellency remains in the same promise and devotion which once you promised to your most pious fathers, your lords—especially since it is clear to you that it was displeasing that the dukes who did not fulfill your orders had turned back, and that they were set under your wrath—let Your Excellency command with all celerity to accomplish those things which you promised to your fathers, our most pious lords, so that from the effectuation of the promise a worthy grace may be increased; and let them be directed at such a time that they may find all the crops of the enemies out in the open. And bid that it be designated to us by which itineraries or at what time they are to be looked for by us, hoping before all that, when the army of the Franks has successfully descended, the Romans, for whom we ask your aids, may not be brought into depredation and captivity; but also that you order those whom they carried off in time past to be released and restored to the province, so that, emending things past, you show what they ought to keep in the future; and moreover command that the factories/works not be burned, so that it may be recognized that for the defense of Italy we have had the aid of the Christian nation. It ends.

XLII. In Nomine Domini Dei Nostri Iesu Christi, Imperatore Caesar Flavius Mauricius Tiberius, Fidelis in Christo, Mansuetus, Maximus, Beneficus, Pacificus, Alamannicus, Gothicus, Anticus, Alanicus, Wandalicus, Erullicus, Gypedicus, Africus, Pius, Felix, Incleti, Victor ac Triumphator, Semper Augustus, Childebertho, Viro Glorioso, Regi Francorum.

42. IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST, EMPEROR CAESAR FLAVIUS MAURICIUS TIBERIUS, FAITHFUL IN CHRIST, MILD, GREATEST, BENEFICENT, PEACEFUL, ALAMANNIC, GOTHIC, ANTAEAN, ALANIC, VANDALIC, HERULIAN, GEPIDIAN, AFRICAN, PIOUS, FORTUNATE, ILLUSTRIOUS, VICTOR AND TRIUMPHATOR, EVER AUGUSTUS, TO CHILDEBERT, A GLORIOUS MAN, KING OF THE FRANKS.

Littere vestrae gloriae per Iocundum episcopum et Chotronem cubicularium nobis directe amicalem quidem voluntatem et paternum affectum circa nos atque sacratissimam rempublicam nostram conservare vos indicant; hoc, quod et per alios ligatarios multiplicibus verbis ad nostram pietatem conscriptum invenitur. Et mirum nobis videtur, si, rectam habere mentem atque priscam gentis Francorum et dicioni Romanae unitatem esse conprobatum adfirmans, nihil operis usque adhuc amicitiae congruum eminentia tua ostendens visa est: dum in scriptis pollicita atque per sacerdotis firmata et terribilibus iuramentis roborata, tanto tempore excesso, nullum effectum perceperunt. Et si hoc ita est, quid per tanta spatia terrae atque maris inaniter sine responsu necessarios vestros ligatarios fatigatis, iuvenalis sermonis, qui nihil utilitatis induxerunt, iactantes?

The letters of your Glory, through Jucundus the bishop and Chotron the chamberlain, directed to us, indicate that you preserve toward us and our most sacrosanct commonwealth a friendly will indeed and a paternal affection; this which also is found written to Our Piety in manifold words through other legates. And it seems a wonder to us, if, affirming that you have a right mind and that the ancient unity of the nation of the Franks and the Roman dominion is proven, your Eminence has up to now seemed to show nothing of work suited to friendship: while the things promised in writings and confirmed by a priest and strengthened by terrible oaths, with so much time having elapsed, have attained no effect. And if this is so, why do you vainly, without answer, weary your associates, the legates, over such expanses of land and sea, vaunting youthful speech, which has brought in no utility?

Nos tamen imperialem benevolentiam sequentis, et praefatos ligatarios vestros suscipimus, etiamsi non cognovimos, et cum veritate a te transmissus esse, atque his, quae nunciata ab eis sunt, placidis auribus intimantes, conpetens eis dedimus responsum, quod et per alios ligatarios vestros manifestum tuae gloriae iam factum est. Et optamus, vos, si amicitiam nostram appetere desideratis, valide atque incunctanter omnia disceptare et non solum dictionibus enarrare, sed enarrata viriliter, quomodo regem oportet, peragere atque similiter nostram piam benevolentiam expectare. Dicit igitur gloriam tuam, ea quoque, (que) in scriptis inter nos placita sunt, vel etiam nunc ad effectum perduceret, ut per hanc occasionem magis magisque vestrae gentis unitas atque felicissimae nostrae reipublicae conficiatur et nulla inter nos contraversia oriatur.

We, however, following imperial benevolence, also receive your aforesaid legates, even if we have not ascertained that they were in truth transmitted by you; and, giving a calm hearing to the things that were announced by them, we gave them a suitable response, which also through your other legates has already been made manifest to your Glory. And we desire that you, if you long to seek our friendship, should settle all things firmly and without delay, and not only narrate them in words, but carry out what has been narrated manfully, as it befits a king, and likewise await our pious benevolence. Therefore it befits your Glory also to bring to effect those things (which) have been agreed between us in writings, even now, so that by this occasion more and more the unity of your nation and of our most felicitous commonwealth may be accomplished, and no controversy arise between us.

Non enim pro inimicitiae memorate conventionis a nobis factae sunt, sed ut amicitia firma et inlibata permaneat.

For the things done by us were not for the enmity of the mentioned convention, but so that amity may remain firm and inviolate.

Per Manuhel. Divinitas te servet per multos annos, parens christianissime atque amantissime. Data Kalendis Septembris Constantinopoli, Imperatore divi Mauricii Tiberii perpetus augustus et post consolatum eiusdem annis . . . .

Through Manuhel. May divinity preserve you for many years, most Christian and most loving parent. Given on the Kalends of September at Constantinople, under the emperor, the deified Maurice Tiberius, perpetual Augustus, and after the consulship of the same by years . . . .

XLIII. ITEM DICTA FORTUNA AD FILIO IMPERATORIS DE DOMNE NOMINE PER BABONE ET GRIPONE.

43. LIKEWISE FORTUNE SPOKE TO THE SON OF THE EMPEROR CONCERNING THE LADY BY NAME, THROUGH BABON AND GRIPON.

Hortatur fidei caelestis participatu redemption ut apud illos quam maxime caritatis studia propagemus, pro quibus aequaliter discendere de caelo et pati dignatus est Christus. Certe cum hoc catholici desideranter elegimus, per quod magis divinitatis circa nos clementiam misericorditer inclinemus, et quia ad serenissimum atque piissimum patrem nostrum, genitorem vestrum, Mauricium imperatorem, utilitatis cummunis pro condicione praesentium portitores, viros inlustros, illos, legatarios direximus, pacem, quam optamus cum principe, adquirere cupimus perpetualiter cum herede: illud etiam poscentis, ut, quoniam parvulum nepotem nostrum vestrae dicione casus fortuitus ad urbem regiam detulit, sicut suggestionem piissimo genitori vestro mandata verbo direximus, per qui vos non permittat misere orfanitatis incurrere nec sine parentibus annos pupillares transigere, sed, genitore superstate, illum ad iuventutem, quam senior princeps desiderat, sub patris blando tegmine vos praestet adulescere et, ipso sustentante, pervenire maturam iubeat ad aetatem, ac tam diu vobis patris non recedat tuitio, donec vos ipsi feliciter succedatis in regnum, ut, quiquid nos praesentes suggerere vel agere debueramus pro orfano, per vos obteneatur apud piissimum principem pro pupillo. Nec sentiat alterius miserae peregrinationis naufragium, quem per interventum vestrum parentalem redire depraecamur ad portum.

By the participation of celestial faith’s redemption it exhorts that among them we propagate most greatly the pursuits of charity, for whose sake Christ deigned equally to descend from heaven and to suffer. Certainly, since we as Catholics have eagerly elected this, whereby we might more mercifully incline the clemency of the divinity toward us, and because to our most serene and most pious father, your begetter, Maurice the emperor, for the common utility in view of present conditions we have dispatched as bearers those illustrious men, those legates, we desire to acquire the peace which we wish with the prince, perpetually with the heir: asking this also, that, since a very little grandson of ours, under your dominion, a fortuitous chance has borne to the royal city, just as we sent a suggestion by a commissioned word to your most pious father, through which he may not permit you to incur the misery of orphanhood nor to pass your pupillary years without parents, but, with the father surviving, may grant you to grow up to youth—which the elder prince desires—under a father’s gentle covering, and, he sustaining, may bid you to arrive at mature age, and that the protection of a father not withdraw from you until you yourselves happily succeed to the kingdom, so that whatever we, being present, ought to have suggested or done for the orphan may be obtained through you with the most pious prince for the ward. Nor let him feel the shipwreck of another wretched peregrination, whom by your parental intervention we implore to return to port.

Finit.

It ends.

XLIV. INCIPIT DE NOMINE DOMNAE AD IMPERATRICEM.

44. HERE BEGINS ON THE NAME OF THE LADY TO THE EMPRESS.

Accessit, augusta serenissima, Christo protegente, mihi tempus optabile, quo praedicator et amator vestri imperii, praecellentissimus filius meus, Childebertus rex, illam aetatem pertingeret, qua cum piissimo Imperatore, vestro coniuge, causas utriusque gentis missis legatariis commune pro felicitate saluberrime pertractaret et, quod esset utilius, annis robustioribus iuxta vota vestra per se, Deo adiuvante, firmius exerceret. Unde sicut praesentium latores, veneratores vestri, fideles nostri, vobis verbo suggerere poterunt, Deo auxiliante, a nobis optantibus aliquid est inceptum, et, si donat Christus auxilium, quod prosit veris catholicis gentibus, bonae inchoationis accedere optamus effectum. Et quia, augusta tranquillissima, casu faciente, parvuli nepotis mei didicit peregrinate infantia et ipsa innocibntia annis teneris coepit esse captiva, rogo per redemptorem omnium gentium, sic vobis non videatis subtrahi piissimum Theodocium, nec ad amplexu matris dulcis filius separetur, sic vestra lumina semper exhilaret sua praesentia, simul et matris viscera augusto delectentur de partu: ut iubeatis agere, favente Christo, qualiter meum recipere merear parvulum, in amplexu refrigerentur viscere, quae de nepotis absentia gravissimo dolore suspirant, ut, que amisi filiam, vil dulce pignus ex ipsa, quod mihi remansit, non perdam, adusque de morte geniti crucior, relever per vos cito nepote redeunte captivo: quatinus, dum me dolentim atque illum innocentem respicitis, et de Deo, qui est universalis redemption mercedem gloriae recip- iatis, absoluto captivo, et inter utramque gentem per hoc, propitiante Christo, caritas multiplicetur et pacis termin- us extendatur.

There has come, most serene Augusta, with Christ protecting, to me a desirable time, wherein the preacher and lover of your empire, my most preeminent son, King Childebert, might reach that age at which, with the most pious Emperor, your spouse, he would most healthfully discuss, by legates sent, for the common felicity the causes of both peoples, and what would be more useful, in more robust years, according to your vows, by himself, with God helping, he might more firmly carry out. Whence, as the bearers of the present letter, your venerators, our faithful, will be able to suggest to you by word, with God aiding, something has been begun by us who desire it, and, if Christ grants help, that which may profit the true catholic peoples, we desire that the effect of a good inception may come to pass. And because, most tranquil Augusta, by chance making it so, the infancy of my little grandson has learned to be abroad in exile, and innocence itself in tender years has begun to be captive, I beg through the redeemer of all peoples, thus may the most pious Theodocius not seem to be withdrawn from you, nor let the sweet son be separated from the embrace of his mother; thus may he always gladden your eyes by his presence, and at the same time may the mother’s inmost parts be delighted in august fashion by her offspring: that you may order to act, Christ favoring, in such a way that I may merit to receive my little one, that the inmost parts which sigh with most grievous pain on account of the grandson’s absence may be refreshed in an embrace; that I, who have lost a daughter, may not lose also the sweet pledge from her which has remained to me; I am tormented even unto death on account of the one begotten, may I be relieved through you, with the captive grandson quickly returning: to the end that, while you look upon me grieving and him innocent, you may receive from God, who is the universal redemption, the reward of glory, with the captive set free, and between both peoples by this, Christ being propitious, charity may be multiplied and the boundary of peace be extended; the reward of glory recip- iatis, the captive having been released, and between both peoples by this, with Christ propitiating, love may be multiplied and the limit of peace termin- us be extended.

Finit.

It is finished.

XLV. AD PATRIARCAM CONSTANTINOPOLITANUM DE DOMNI NOMEN.

45. TO THE PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE CONCERNING THE NAME DOMNUS.

Gloriosi apostolatus vestri precellens opino, quae sic loca singula percurrens implevit, ut etiam ad nos Germaniam peragraret, ita nos conpulit devinctos vestrae fieri gratiae, ut optemus devoti, vestram sanctitatem pro nobis subplicibus fiducialiter exorare. Quapropter beatissim.ae coronae vestrae devotionem nostram sincerissimae commendantes ac, salutations depensa, ut pro nobis redemptori gentium supplicate dignemini, multipliciter obsecrantes, praecamur per Deum, qui vos ad multorum remedium patres esse constituit omnium dignitatum, ut, quia casu contigit, nepotem nostrum parvulum duci in urbem regiam, de matrem deceptum, et ibidem detineri tam peregrinum quam orfanum, apud piissimum patrem nostrum augustum de eius absolutione, sicut est vestrae consuetudinis, dignabiliter laboretis, quatenus, dum ipse, vobis obtinentibus, meruerit patriae vel parentibus reddi, peregrinationis necessitatibus absolutus, ad liberandum obnoxium facias, quod Christi vecarius, et per hoc inter nos et Romanum rempublicam sit diuturnae pacis et quietis fructus, non terminus. Finit.

The preeminent opinion of your glorious apostleship, which, running through each place, so fulfilled them that it even traversed as far as us, Germany, has compelled us to become bound to your grace, so that we, devout, desire confidently to entreat your sanctity on behalf of us, suppliants. Wherefore, commending to your most blessed crown our most sincere devotion and, salutations paid, with manifold entreaties beseeching that you deign to supplicate the Redeemer of the nations for us, we pray through God, who has appointed you fathers of all dignities for the remedy of many, that—since it chanced that our little grandson was led into the royal city, deceived away from his mother, and is there detained, as much a foreigner as an orphan—you would worthily labor with our most pious father, the Augustus, concerning his release, as is your custom, to the end that, when he, by your obtaining it, shall have deserved to be returned to his fatherland or to his parents, absolved from the necessities of peregrination, you may, as the Vicar of Christ, do what pertains to the freeing of one in bondage; and through this, between us and the Roman commonwealth, there may be the fruit of long-lasting peace and quiet, not an end. It ends.

XLVI. INCIPIT AD PATRIARCAM LAURENTIO DE DOMNI NOMEN.

46. HERE BEGINS TO THE PATRIARCH LAURENTIUS ON THE NAME ‘DOMNUS’.

Beatae opinionis ubique cursum meritis extendentes, certates beatum martyrem aequiperare sicut nomine, sic mercede, ut per vos tutus hic ille redeat, cuius adepti estis vocabulo, qui sacrosanctae ecclesiae sic dispersit nomismata, ut census effusions per pauperes augmentaret talenta, ad nos usque bonum tanti op.eris devulgante, gratias referimus supernae clementiae, quae vobis illud contulit, quod multis hic est in munere et vobis singulariter futurae gloriae tempore proficiat ad mercedem. Quapropter sancto apostolatui vestro salutationis officia dependentes, commendations praelata, et, ut nos sacris intercessionibus vestris memoris esse dignemini, fiducialiter obsecrantes, speramus, ut, quia divina dementia ea nos aetate conroborat, ut catholicae parti nostra non desint solacia - iuxta votum Romanae reipublicae vel sacratissimi patris nostri imperatoris in Italiam direximus adversum gentem Langobardorum relegioni ac fidei iniquissimae perfidam -, vestra sollicitudine ad virum praecelsum Smaragdum Ravenna iubite celeriter nuntiare, ut et pars reipublicae, in quo per ipsum valet, solacium armatorum inferre super hostes festinet et, quantum Dominus praeciperit, quod potest inpraesenti fieri, non moretur, Quod fuerit verti residuum, si Christo placuerit, adveniente anni futuri tempore optamus exercitum in causa dirigere, quatenus manus Domini gentem execrabilem, vobis exorantibus, dignetur elidere, quae iniuria sanctorum et morte suorum fidelium sanguinis effusions crudelitatis manus armavit; hoc etiam sperantes, ut ipsi praecelso Smaragdo de nostris ligatariis iubeatis pariter nuntiare, ut tam vestra quam eius ordinatione quam celeriter ad locum destinatum imperialis urbis festinent accedere et ad nos, Christo prae- sule, quae opportune mandata sunt, renuntiantes velociter si qua restant, pacis studio, divinitate propitia, commun- iter explicentur. Finit.

Extending everywhere the course of blessed repute by your merits, you strive to equal the blessed martyr, as in the name, so in the reward, so that through you that one, whose name you have obtained, may return safely—he who so scattered coins (nomismata) for the most holy Church that, by an outpouring of revenue through the poor, he augmented the talents—since even to us the good of so great a work has been made widely known; we render thanks to supernal clemency, which has bestowed on you that which here is a gift to many and may profit you singularly unto reward at the time of future glory. Wherefore, paying the offices of greeting to your holy apostolate, commendations prefaced, and confidently beseeching that you deign to hold us in memory in your sacred intercessions, we hope that, since divine mercy strengthens us at such a time that aids from our side do not fail the catholic party—according to the vow of the Roman republic and of our most sacrosanct father, our emperor, we have directed forces into Italy against the nation of the Lombards, perfidious to religion and most unjust to the faith—by your solicitude you order that swift notice be given to the most exalted man Smaragdus at Ravenna, that the part of the commonwealth also, wherein through him it has strength, may hasten to bring the succor of armed men upon the enemies and, as much as the Lord shall command, not delay to do what can be done at present. What shall be left to be carried over, if it shall please Christ, when the time of the coming year arrives, we desire to direct the army to the cause, in order that the hand of the Lord, with you beseeching, may deign to strike down the execrable nation, which, by injury to the saints and by the death of its faithful ones, has armed the hands of cruelty with an outpouring of blood; also hoping this, that you likewise command word to be sent to that most exalted Smaragdus by our legates, that by both your and his ordinance they hasten as quickly as possible to approach the designated place of the imperial city and report back to us, Christ pres- iding, what has been suitably mandated; and whatever remains, with the zeal of peace, with divinity propitious, let it be jointly (joint- ly) brought to completion. It ends.

XLVII. INCIPIT AD IMPERATORE DE DOMNO NOMINE.

47. HERE BEGINS TO THE EMPEROR CONCERNING THE NAME “DOMNUS”.

Piissime serenitatis vestrae benignitas nos invitat ad ea, quae nobis oportuna credimus, ut, fiducia cogente, vestris auribus intimemus, Et quoniam cognovimus, illum famulum vestrum, parentum nostrum, filium Scaptimundi apud vos in urbe regia commorari, qua valimus praece devotissime supplicamus, per qui vestrum culmen Romanum rempublicam longa feliciter faciat seriae gubernari et sic desideria tranquillitatis vestrae de propria parentilla vel filiorum vita dignetur implere maiestas aeterna, ut ipsum vestrae tranquillitatis famulum ad nos relaxari praecipiatis venturum divinitatis intuitu vel retributionis future proventu, quatenus, cum hoc nobis supplicibus dignanter annuetis, exaltetis gloriam vestri nominis et mercedis. Finit feliciter.

Most pious, the benignity of Your Serenity invites us to those things which we deem opportune for us, that, confidence compelling, we may intimate them to your ears. And since we have learned that that servant of yours, of our kin, the son of Scaptimundus, is residing with you in the royal city, as far as we are able we most devoutly supplicate by prayer, whereby your summit may cause the Roman commonwealth to be happily governed for a long time with steady seriousness; and thus may the eternal Majesty deign to fulfill the desires of your Tranquility concerning your own kindred and the life of your sons, that you may command that servant of your Tranquility to be released to come to us, in view of divinity or in prospect of future retribution’s yield, inasmuch as, when you graciously assent to this for us suppliants, you exalt the glory of your name and reward. Ends happily.

INCIPIT DICTA GOGONE AD GRASULFO DE NOMEN REGIS.

HERE BEGIN THE WORDS OF GOGON TO GRASULF ABOUT THE NAME OF THE KING.

Rem necessarium et valde partibus oportunam celsitudo vestra per Billulfo parenti vestro innotuit, quam oportet fixo ordine pro resecanda contumacia infestantium celeriter confirmare. Et licet piissimus imperator revertentibus laegatariis nostis sacris principalibus indicavit, legationem suam confestim velle ipsorum e vestigo ad nos dirigere, quam diebus singulis et venturam credimus et votis ambientibus excipere exoptamus; sed quia oportere tractatis ut nulla mora causa sustineat, adeo in vestro arbitrio hanc rem commisemus finienda. Una elegite de duabus, si vobis munit de parte reipublicae certa securitas, ut possitis necessaria placita figire et promissa evolvere, iam de praesentiam certamine pecuniarum summa integra distinetur.

Your Highness, through Billulf, your kinsman, has made known a necessary matter and very opportune for the parties, which ought to be swiftly confirmed with a fixed order for resecting the contumacy of the assailants. And although the most pious emperor, to our legates returning, indicated by his sacred principal orders that he wishes to dispatch his legation immediately, on their very tracks, to us—which from day to day we both believe will come and we long to receive with encompassing prayers—yet because you are handling it so that no delay should sustain the cause, to such a degree have we committed this matter to your arbitration for completion. Choose one of two: if a sure security on the part of the republic arms you, so that you can fix the necessary placita and unroll the promises, already, for the present, in the contest about monies, the whole sum is designated.

His itaque omnibus adimpletis, instituite placito, et temptemus pariter Dei iniuria et sanguine parentibus nostris Romanis, Christo praesule, vindicate, ita ut in perpetuae pacis securitatem vel de reliquis capitulis, utriusque partibus oportunis intercurrentibus, in posterum terminetur. Ceterum si in vos vigor pontificii non consistit, ut iam de praesenti possitis haec omnia fiducialiter placiscere vel finire, sicut ordo ratibabilis exegit, de latere piissimi imperatoris procedant, cum quibusdam fortis causas fixis terminibus roborentur; et, quatenus hiemalis tempus cursum navium serrat, per vos facile, si fuerit directa ligatio, in finibus nostris transponitur, ubi in ipsorum exceptions, sicut dignum est, praeparatur, ut nec in veniendo sit tarditas et celerius inter partes figantur placita oportuna, rogamus, ut talis eveniant, quibus sit potestas iuxta illa manu vel sensu, quod domnus imperator nostris ligatariis reddidit in responses, cuncta placiscere vel finire. Et ne dicatur, quod pars nostra aliquam dilationem exhibeat, vos nulla mora protendite, et videamus perfecta deliberations vel securitate de partibus reipublicae procedere, parati sumus, vobiscum contra adversus insurgere in vindicta, et locum requiremus et actibus cupimus ostendere, qualiter nos piissimus imperator se dignanter admittit, in numero recipiat filiorum.

With all these things thus fulfilled, establish the compact, and let us together, with Christ as prelate, have the injury done to God and the blood of our Roman parents vindicated, so that, for the security of perpetual peace, even concerning the remaining chapters, with matters opportune for both parties intercurrent, it may be settled for the future. Moreover, if the vigor of the pontificate does not reside in you, so that at present you cannot confidently bargain and conclude all these things, as the ratifiable order has required, let persons proceed from the side of the most pious emperor, that with certain strong men the causes may be reinforced with fixed terms; and, inasmuch as the winter season cuts off the course of ships, through you it may easily, if a dispatch has been directed, be transported into our borders, where for their reception, as is worthy, provision is made, so that there be no tardiness in coming and that the fitting compacts be more swiftly fixed between the parties. We ask that such persons arrive as have power, in accordance with those replies which the lord emperor rendered to our legates, to bargain and to conclude all things. And lest it be said that our side exhibits any delay, do you extend no postponement, and let us see perfect deliberations or security proceed from the parts of the commonwealth; we are prepared, with you, to rise up against the adversary in vindication, and we will seek the place and desire to show by deeds how the most pious emperor deigns to admit us, that he may receive us in the number of sons.

Finit.

It ends.