Letter 10031: Although every advancement must be attributed to the gifts of God, and nothing good exists unless it is recognized...

From: King Witigis of Italy To: All the Goths Date: ~536 AD Context: Witigis announces his election as king — chosen by the army on the battlefield, not in a palace — in a letter that reveals how Gothic kingship actually worked. Although every advancement must be attributed to the gifts of God, and nothing good exists unless it is recognized as His gift, the matter of royal authority must be referred especially to divine judgment — for God Himself has ordained the one He has permitted peoples to obey. Therefore, giving most humble thanks to our Creator, I announce that my Gothic kinsmen, among the clash of campaign swords and in the manner of our ancestors, raised me on a shield and conferred upon me — the Lord granting it — the royal dignity. Arms bestowed the honor whose reputation wars had already earned. Know that I was chosen not in the cramped quarters of a bedchamber but in the wide-open fields — not amid the soft conversation of flatterers but to the blaring of trumpets. The Gothic people, roused by such martial clamor, sought for themselves a warrior king to match their inborn valor. For how long could brave men nurtured amid the heat of battle endure an untested ruler — one whose own reputation remained in doubt, however much he might presume on his personal courage? Inevitably, a nation's reputation follows the character of its chosen leader. As you may have heard, I came summoned by the dangers our people faced, prepared to share the common fortune with all. But they would not allow me to remain merely a commander — they were looking for a battle-proven king. Therefore, favor first the judgment of God, then the judgment of the Goths, since you all make me king by unanimously conferring your support. Put aside your fear of losses; abandon your suspicion of hardship. Under my rule, you need dread nothing harsh. I know how to value brave men — I have fought alongside you through many campaigns. Moreover, I stand as a personal witness to each of your deeds. I need no one else to tell me what you have done; I learned it all as your companion in shared labors. The arms of the Goths shall not be broken by any inconsistency in my promises. Everything I do will look to the benefit of our nation. I will not even love my own interests above yours. I promise to pursue only what brings honor to the royal name. Finally, I pledge a reign in all respects worthy of the Goths after the great Theoderic [who died in 526] — a man uniquely and admirably suited to the cares of kingship, such that each ruler is rightly judged great only insofar as he embraces Theoderic's principles. Whoever can imitate his deeds deserves to be considered his true heir. So be vigilant for the good of our kingdom, and with God's help, rest secure in your domestic affairs.

XXXI. UNIVERSIS GOTHIS VVITIGIS REX. [1] Quamvis omnis provectus ad divinitatis est munera referendus nec aliquid constat bonum, nisi quod ab ipso dinoscitur esse collatum, tamen quam maxime causa regiae dignitatis supernis est applicanda iudiciis, quia ipse nihilominus ordinavit, cui suos populos parere concessit. unde auctori nostro gratias humillima satisfactione referentes indicamus parentes nostros Gothos inter procinctuales gladios more maiorum scuto subposito regalem nobis contulisse praestante domino dignitatem, ut honorem arma darent, cuius opinionem bella pepererant. [2] Non enim in cubilis angustiis, sed in campis late patentibus electum me esse noveritis, nec inter blandientium delicata colloquia, sed tubis concrepantibus sum quaesitus, ut tali fremitu concitatus desiderio virtutis ingenitae regem sibi Martium Geticus populus inveniret. quamdiu enim fortes viri inter bella ferventia nutriti principem ferre poterant non probatum, ut de eius fama laboraret, quamvis de propria virtute praesumeret? necesse est enim talem de cunctis opinionem currere, qualem gens meruerit habere rectorem. [3] Nam sicut audire potuistis, parentum periculis evocatus adveneram communem cum omnibus subire fortunam: sed illi ducem me sibi esse non passi sunt, qui exercitatum regem quaerere videbantur. quapropter primum divinae gratiae, deinde Gothorum favete iudiciis, quia me regem omnes facitis, qui unanimiter vota confertis. deponite nunc damnorum metum: dispendiorum suspiciones abicite: nihil sub nobis asperum formidetis. [4] Amare novimus viros fortes, qui saepius bella peregimus. additur, quod unicuique virorum vestrorum testis adsisto. ab alio enim mihi non est opus facta vestra narrari, qui omnia vobiscum laboribus sociatus agnovi. arma Gothorum nulla promissionum mearum varietate frangenda sunt: ad gentis utilitatem respiciet omne quod agimus: privatim nec nos amabimus: hoc sequi promittimus quod ornet regium nomen. [5] Postremo nostrum per omnia pollicemur imperium, quale Gothos habere deceat post inclitum Theodericum: vir ad regni curas singulariter et pulchre compositus, ut merito unusquisque principum tantum praeclarus intellegatur, quantum consilia illius amare dinoscitur. idcirco parens illius debet credi, qui eius facta potuerit imitari. et ideo pro regni nostri utilitate estote solliciti, de interna conversatione domino iuvante securi.