Letter 1005: KING THEODERIC TO FLORIANUS, A MAN OF DISTINCTION.

King Theoderic to Florianus, a Man of Distinction. [1] Lawsuits that have been settled should not be dragged out endlessly. For what peace will be given to those in dispute, if they will not submit even to lawful sentences? There is one harbor built amid human storms; if men pass it by in the heat of passion, they will wander forever in the waves of litigation. [2] Therefore we address your Spectability by the present royal command: if the matter stands as we understand it, see to it that what has been lawfully adjudicated is carried out without delay, and that the parties accept the verdict. The law protects all equally, and it is the duty of those who administer it to enforce its conclusions.

V. FLORIANO V. S. THEODERICUS REX. [1] In inmensuns trahi non decet finita litigia. quae enim dabitur discordantibus pax, si nec legitimis sententiis adquiescant? unus enim inter procellas humanas portus instructes est, quem si homines fervida voluntate praetereunt, in undosis iurgiis semper errabunt. [2] Et ideo spectabilitati tuae praesentibus effamur oraculis, quatenus, si ita res se habet, ut a praesentibus supplicatur, et in comitis Annae iudicio Mazenis fundi controversia statutis legitimis est decisa nec aliqua probatur appellatione suspensa, quae sunt decreta serventur. [3] Quia sicut nolumus oppressis negare iudicium, ita irrationabilibus querelis non praebamus assensum. cogi enim debet, ut sit quietus, qui suo vitio renuit esse pacificus. nam et medendi peritus invitum frequenter salvat aegrotum, dum voluntas recta in gravibus passionibus non est, sed potius illud appetitur quod a salutis iudice gravare posse sentitur.