Cassiodorus→Julian of Antioch|c. 522 AD|cassiodorus
barbarian invasionillnessproperty economics
XVI. KING THEODERIC TO JULIAN, COUNT OF THE PATRIMONY.
[1] We add more to our resources when we grant relief with merciful humanity. For the wealth of a ruler grows richer when he remits, and he acquires the noble treasure of renown by disregarding the meanness of money. Hence it is that, prompted by the custom of our humanity, we extend aid to the weary and a hand to the burdened, so that by the remedy of our compassion those who have fallen through the harshness of their fortune may rise again. [2] Some time ago the tenants of Apulia came to us in sorrowful petition, complaining that their grain had been burned by enemy raids, and requesting that they not be compelled to make their full payment when the profits of their commerce had been diminished. This we judge, out of our inborn humanity, ought to be given consideration, so that those whose lack of industry we cannot blame should have their fortune relieved. For we wish the established assessments to be paid only from what the taxpayers are known to have actually gained. [3] We therefore command Your Eminence to investigate this matter carefully, so that whatever they are found to have sold for less may be deducted with due moderation from the arrears of the first indiction -- yet in such a way that no fraud is introduced into our benefactions, lest you be rendered liable through any negligence, you who have always pleased us with provident attention. For just as the losses of our petitioners concern us, so too should their gains redound to our profit.
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.
◆
XVI. KING THEODERIC TO JULIAN, COUNT OF THE PATRIMONY.
[1] We add more to our resources when we grant relief with merciful humanity. For the wealth of a ruler grows richer when he remits, and he acquires the noble treasure of renown by disregarding the meanness of money. Hence it is that, prompted by the custom of our humanity, we extend aid to the weary and a hand to the burdened, so that by the remedy of our compassion those who have fallen through the harshness of their fortune may rise again. [2] Some time ago the tenants of Apulia came to us in sorrowful petition, complaining that their grain had been burned by enemy raids, and requesting that they not be compelled to make their full payment when the profits of their commerce had been diminished. This we judge, out of our inborn humanity, ought to be given consideration, so that those whose lack of industry we cannot blame should have their fortune relieved. For we wish the established assessments to be paid only from what the taxpayers are known to have actually gained. [3] We therefore command Your Eminence to investigate this matter carefully, so that whatever they are found to have sold for less may be deducted with due moderation from the arrears of the first indiction -- yet in such a way that no fraud is introduced into our benefactions, lest you be rendered liable through any negligence, you who have always pleased us with provident attention. For just as the losses of our petitioners concern us, so too should their gains redound to our profit.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.