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

King Theoderic to Julian, Count of the Patrimony. [1] The patrimony of the crown must be administered with the same care as private property, and indeed with greater, since its revenues support not one household but the entire apparatus of government. An administrator who neglects this duty fails not merely his master but the public good. [2] We therefore enjoin you by the present command to conduct a careful review of all the revenues and properties entrusted to your administration, and to report to us any shortfalls or irregularities you discover. Whatever has been misappropriated must be recovered; whoever has failed in their duty must be called to account. The state's resources are in your care.

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.