Letter 1016: KING THEODERIC TO JULIAN, COUNT OF THE PATRIMONY.

King Theoderic to Julian, Count of the Patrimony. [1] That which we grant out of merciful humanity we apply all the more to our own advantage; for the resources of a ruler then become richer, when he remits, and he acquires the noble treasures of reputation once the cheapness of money is disregarded. Hence it is that, prompted by the humanity of our custom, we bring aid to the weary and stretch out a hand to the burdened, so that those who had collapsed under the harshness of their fortune may rise again by the remedy of our compassion. [2] For some time ago the Apulian tenant-farmers [conductores, lessees of estates], in a lamentable appeal, complained to us that their grain had been burned up through the depredations of enemies, and they petitioned that they not be compelled to the full payment, since their gains from trade had been diminished. This we judge ought to be considered in keeping with our inborn humanity, so that, for those whose idleness we cannot accuse, we may reckon that their fortune ought to be relieved. For we wish the established rents to be brought in from that source from which it is established that our subjects have obtained their gains. [3] And therefore we command Your Sublimity to inquire diligently into this matter, so that, by however much it shall be established that they sold for less, you shall deduct that amount from the remaining sums of the first indiction [the tax assessment period], with due moderation observed: yet in such a way that no fraud be inserted into our acts of benefaction, lest by some negligence you be rendered liable, you who have always pleased us by your foresighted attention; for just as the losses of suppliants touch us, so their profitable gains ought likewise to be of advantage to us.

XVI. IULIANO COMITI PATRIMONII THEODERICUS REX. [1] Illud amplius nostris utilitatibus applicamus, quod misericordi humanitate concedimus. regnantis enim facultas tunc fit ditior, cum remittit, et adquirit nobiles thesauros famae neglecta vilitate pecuniae. hinc est quod consuetudinis nostrae humanitate commoniti opem fessis, manum porrigimus oneratis, ut pietatis nostrae remedio surgant qui fortunae suae acerbitate corruerant. [2] Dudum siquidem conductores Apuli deplorata nobis aditione conquesti sunt frumenta sibi inimicorum subreptionibus concremata, postulantes, ne cogantur ad integram praestationem, quibus commerciorum sunt commoda deminuta. quod nos pro ingenita humanitate considerandum esse iudicamus, ut, quorum non possumus accusare desidiam, relevandam aestimemus esse fortunam. inde enim constitutas pensiones inferri volumus, unde constat subiectos commoda consecutos. [3] Et ideo hanc causam sublimitatem tuam iubemus diligenter inquirere, ut, quantum eos minus vendidisse constiterit, de reliquis primae indictionis habita moderatione detrahatis: ita tamen ut nulla fraus nostris beneficiis inseratur, ne aliqua neglegentia reddaris obnoxius, qui semper nobis provida intentione placuisti, quia sicut nos tangunt supplicum damna, ita nobis eorum fructuosa debent esse compendia.