Letter 1019: KING THEODERIC TO SATURNINUS AND UMBISUS, MEN OF DISTINCTION.

King Theoderic to Saturninus and Umbisus, Men of Distinction. [1] A prince who governs with justice is not content merely to issue commands but ensures that they are followed. The protection of rights requires not only laws but also officials who enforce them with diligence and impartiality. [2] We therefore address you by the present command, reminding you of your duty to administer the matters entrusted to you with the full rigor of justice. Any who shelter behind official connections to escape accountability will find that our justice reaches them; any who are genuinely wronged will find in us a willing champion.

XVIIII. SATURNINO ET VMBISVO VV. SS. THEODERICUS REX. [1] Fisci volumus legale custodire compendium, quia nostra clementia rebus propriis videtur esse contenta, et sicut nullum gravare cupimus, ita nobis debita perdere non debemus. indigentiam iuste fugimus, quae suadet excessus, dum perniciosa res est in imperante tenuitas. modus ubique laudandus est. nam cur aut vituperabilis neglegentia in propriis defluat aut aliena cupiditas turpis abradat? [2] Et ideo praesenti vobis iussione praecipimus, ut Adrianae civitatis curialium insinuatione suscepta, quicumque Gothorum fiscum detrectat implere, eum ad aequitatem redhibitionis artetis, ne tenuis de proprio cogatur exsolvere, quod constat idoneos indebite detinere: hac scilicet ratione servata, ut si quis contumaciae vitio maluerit nostra iussa tardare, cum multa reddat quod debuit etiam non compulsus offerre, quatenus protervo spiritu indecenter erecta inpunita iustis saeculis non relinquatur audacia.