Letter 10009: VARIAE, BOOK 10, LETTER 9

VARIAE, BOOK 10, LETTER 9 From: King Theodahad To: Emperor Justinian Augustus Date: ~534-536 AD Context: Theodahad writes to Constantinople seeking cooperative relations, arguing that both powers benefit from mutual respect. [1] It is fitting, most wise Emperor, that you should gladly grant us those things which, if we were negligent in seeking them, your own clemency would rightly urge us to request. For the harmony between our realms serves not merely our interests but the peace of the civilized world. When the powers that guard its western and eastern halves are in accord, no barbarian nation dares to test the boundaries of either. [2] We write to you not as subordinates but as allies in the common cause of Roman civilization. The Gothic kingdom has been the faithful guardian of Italy's ancient heritage — its laws, its cities, its Senate. We ask only that this faithful stewardship be recognized and that the bonds between Ravenna and Constantinople continue to be strengthened by mutual generosity and respect.

VIIII. IUSTINIANO AUGUSTO THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Aequum est, sapientissime imperator, ut illa nobis libenti animo faciatis impendi, ad quae si essemus desides, a vestra potius clementia deberemur hortari. vobis enim gratum esse non dubium est, quicquid per nos ad Italiae decorem contigerit expediri, quia laudibus vestris iure proficit, quando videtur crescere quod ad nostrae rei publicae potest gloriam pertinere. [2] Quapropter exhibens principatui vestro reverentissimum salutationis affectum harum portitorem ad illa direximus exhibenda, ad quae quondam Calogenitus fuerat destinatus, ut, etsi persona rebus humanis subtracta est, beneficia tamen vestra ad nos, domino iuvante perveniant, ne cassetur desiderium quod convenienter est de nostra praesumptione securum.