Letter 11011: The prices of food supplies should follow the logic of the season, so that neither cheapness is sought when prices...

The prices of food supplies should follow the logic of the season, so that neither cheapness is sought when prices are high nor high prices when goods are cheap. Rather, with a fair balance struck, both the grumbling of buyers and the complaints of burdened merchants should be eliminated. Therefore, having weighed all factors and assembled the calculation with precision, I have posted below the prices of the various commodities — so that, with all uncertainty removed, the regulation of the specified goods may be maintained. If any seller fails to observe what this edict declares, let him know that for each violation he will be fined six solidi [gold coins] and may also be subjected to a beating with rods — so that the fear of financial loss may deter him and the prescribed punishment may afflict him severely.

XI. EDICTUM DE PRETIIS CUSTODIENDIS RAVENNA. [1] Venalitas victualium rerum temporis debet subiacere rationi, ut neque in vilitate caritas nec in caritate vilitas expetatur, sed aequalitate perpensa et murmur ementibus et gravamen querulis negotiatoribus auferatur. [2] Atque ideo trutinatis omnibus et ad liquidum calculatione collecta diversarum specierum pretia subter affiximus, ut omni ambiguitate summota definitarum rerum debeat manere custodia. si quis autem vendentium non servaverit quae praesentis edicti tenor eloquitur, per singulos excessus sex solidorum multam a se noverit exigendam et fustuario posse subiacere supplicio, quatinus eum et damni metus terreat et praedicta poena vehementer affligat.