Letter 10023: When I received your ambassador, the most eloquent Peter — a man who, more honorably even than his official...

XXIII. KING THEODAHAD TO THE EMPRESS THEODORA. [1] When we received your envoy, the most eloquent man Peter, and one who, what is more honorable than the dignities themselves, cleaves devotedly to your service, there shone upon us the longed-for tokens of the Augusta's favor, so that through him we might learn that what has plainly come to pass in this commonwealth is acceptable to you. You have shown that you love whatever is recognized to pertain to justice, since, through divine providence with every suspicion wiped away, a desirable unanimity is able to endure. Now there is rather that which may join our realms together: a fixed promise and a longed-for concord. [2] And therefore we have judged that this venerable man, truly most worthy of your sight, should be directed to you as our envoy in a special capacity, so that, with you striving on its behalf, the peace of your most serene consort may be made firm, to the end that the general body of people may clearly recognize that we have come deservedly to the sweetness of this treaty through such a bond of affection. [3] And because things once well entered upon ought not to be suspended by any contrary occasion, if there is anything which by its difficulty ought not to be imposed upon us, let it be mitigated by the moderation of your wisdom, so that we may increase, by unceasing zeal, the affection which we have begun to hold toward your realm. [4] Wherefore raise up the firmness of your wisdom and claim this palm of concord especially for yourself, so that, just as the fame of the most clement emperor is said to be renowned in battles, so in the pursuit of peace your reputation may be praised to the admiration of all. May the bearer of this letter, whom I have directed, see you familiarly and frequently, so that he who is seen to be sent to obtain a favor already presumed upon may be able to merit a swift outcome. For we hope for things just, not burdensome, since indeed nothing seems impossible which we know to put forward through such glory as yours.

XXIII. THEODORAE AUGUSTAE THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Suscipientes legatum vestrum virum eloquentissimum Petrum et, quod est ipsis dignitatibus honorabilius, vestris obsequiis inhaerentem, optata nobis Augustae gratiae monimenta fulserunt, ut per eum disceremus acceptum vobis esse, quod in hac re publica constat evenisse. ostendistis vos diligere quicquid ad iustitiam cognoscitur pertinere, quando per divinam providentiam omni suspicione detersa desiderabilis potest unanimitas permanere. nunc est potius quod regna coniungat promissio fixa et votiva concordia. [2] Et ideo illum virum venerabilem vestris conspectibus vere dignissimum legatum nostrum ad vos specialiter credidimus esse dirigendum, ut, vobis annitentibus, serenissimi iugalis vestri pacis gratia solidetur, quatenus generalitas evidenter agnoscat merito venisse nos ad suavitatem foederis per tale vinculum caritatis. [3] Et quia semel bene inita nulla debent contraria occasione suspendi, si quid est quod difficultate sui nobis non oportet imponi, sapientiae vestrae moderatione mitigetur, ut affectum, quem circa regnum vestrum habere coepimus, iugibus studiis augeamus. [4] Quapropter erigite vestrae sapientiae firmitatem et hanc vobis palmam concordiae specialiter vindicate, ut, sicut clementissimi imperatoris fama in proeliis inclita dicitur, ita in pacis studio opinio vestra cunctorum ammiratione laudetur. familiariter vos et frequenter videat harum portitor quem direxi, quatinus effectum possit celerem promereri, qui ad praesumptam gratiam visus est destinari. speramus enim iusta non gravia, cum tamen nihil videatur inpossibile, quod per talem gloriam cognoscimus allegare.