Letter 10025: Through the venerable priest Heracleanus, an imperial letter from Your Serenity has illuminated us, generously...

From: King Theodahad of Italy To: Emperor Justinian in Constantinople Date: ~536 AD Context: Theodahad responds to a letter from Justinian delivered by a priest, and confirms he has written to the Pope at the Emperor's request. Through the venerable priest Heracleanus, an imperial letter from Your Serenity has illuminated us, generously granting the favor of your words and fittingly offering the gift of your greeting — so that it is truly a great benefit to have merited so gracious a conversation with the Emperor. I return my response with all the affection I can muster, hoping that I may hear often of your good health and that the prosperity of your reign may always increase. For it is fitting that I should hold such wishes as may continually extend your glory and wellbeing. I should also report that, in accordance with your wishes, I have dispatched a letter to the Pope of Rome directing him to respond without any delay to the bearer of this letter — so that the man you saw fit to send may enjoy the benefit of a quick answer. It is my heart's desire that occasions should arise in which I can comply with your wishes, for this is how I effectively encourage you to return my affection: by obeying you whenever I can.

XXV. IUSTINIANO IMPERATORI THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Per venerabilem virum Heracleanum presbyterum Augusta nobis pagina vestrae serenitatis illuxit, gratiam sermonis benigne tribuens et apte munera salutationis inpertiens, ut re vera magnum sit beneficium tam suave principis meruisse colloquium. cui reddimus quanta valemus caritate responsum, optantes ut et sospitatem vestram saepius nos audire contingat et regni vestri felicitas semper accrescat, quia tale votum nos decet habere, quod gloriam salutemque vestram iugiter possit extendere. [2] Significamus etiam pro vestro voto ad papam urbis Romae nos litteras destinasse, ut praesentium gerulo litterarum sine aliqua dilatione respondeat, quatenus qui a vobis dirigi meruit, celeritatis gratiam consequatur. nostri enim voti est causas emergere, in quibus possimus vestris desideriis oboedire, quia sic vos ad reddendam dilectionem efficaciter commonemus, si vobis in aliqua parte pareamus.