Letter 1008: KING THEODERIC TO AMABILIS, AN EXECUTOR.

King Theoderic to Amabilis, an Executor. [1] It is our heart's concern to protect all people alike, but especially those who we know cannot protect themselves. For the balance of justice will be maintained if we extend aid to the unequal and oppose the arrogance of the powerful on behalf of the humble. The less fortunate seek a prince's help, for those whom public affection abandons collapse to our reproach. [2] Therefore, moved by the petition of Venantius, guardian of the orphan Plutianus, we command you by the present authority to investigate the matter fully; and if you find that Felix has unjustly held back or seized what belonged to the ward, compel him by all lawful means to make full restitution. Let no delay obstruct the remedy due to a helpless child.

VIII. AMABILI EXECUTORI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Cordi nobis est cunctos in commune protegere, sed eos maxime quos sibi novimus defuisse. sic enim aequitatis libra servabitur, si auxilium largiamur imparibus et metum nostri pro parvulis insolentibus opponamus. fortuna minor principem quaerit, quia in vituperationem nostram corruunt quibus se publica vota subducunt. [2] Venantii itaque tutoris Plutiani lacrimabili suggestione comperimus Neoterium fratrem suum, affectum germanitatis oblitum, bona parvuli hostili furore lacerasse. quod nos pro rerum suarum acerbitate commovit, ut largitas nostra, quam velut titulum volumus stare pietatis, usurpata praesumptionibus videatur illicitis. et quia dubium non est in repetitione minoris maxime submoveri dispendia tarditatis, ideoque devotio tua, nostra iussione firmata, si nihil est quod rationabiliter a pulsato possit opponi, postulatas res praedicto tutori faciat sine dilatione restitui. [3] Aut si quid est quod pro suis partibus intentio retentatoris obiciat, legali sponsione praecedente, ad nostrum deproperet venire comitatum: ut allegationibus cognitis pro consuetudine nostrae iudicemus aequitatis.