Letter 2006: King Theodoric to Agapitus, Vir Illustris [Most Illustrious], Patrician.

KING THEODERIC TO AGAPITUS, MAN OF ILLUSTRIOUS RANK [vir illustris], PATRICIAN. [1] The plan of our deliberation requires the compliance of prudent men, so that the reasoning of public utility may be completed by the service of the wise. And therefore let your illustrious greatness know, with God's help, that we have resolved to send an embassy to the East: judging you suitable for it, by the present orders we summon you, so that both your distinction may increase from our esteem, and the carrying out of our commands may be procured through you. [2] But although every embassy requires a wise man, to whom the welfare of the provinces and the standing of the whole realm is entrusted to be defended, nevertheless it is now necessary to choose a most prudent man, one who can dispute against the most subtle and so conduct himself in the assembly of learned men that so many erudite talents cannot overcome the cause he has undertaken. It is a great skill to speak against craftsmen and to accomplish something among those who think they foresee everything. Rejoice, therefore, in so great a judgment, since you receive the gift of being chosen before you could have proved your own talent.

VI. AGAPITO V. I. PATRICIO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Deliberationis nostrae consilium virorum prudentium requirit obsequium, ut utilitatis publicae ratio sapientum ministerio compleatur. et ideo illustris magnitudo tua deo auxiliante cognoscat legationem nos ad Orientem deliberasse transmittere: cui te idoneum iudicantes iussis praesentibus evocamus, ut et tibi de aestimatione nostra crescat ornatus et nostris iussionibus per te procuretur effectus. [2] Sed licet omnis legatio virum sapientem requirat, cui provinciarum utilitas totiusque regni status committitur vindicandus, nunc tamen necesse est prudentissimum eligere, qui possit contra subtilissimos disputare et in conventu doctorum sic agere, ne susceptam causam tot erudita possint ingenia superare. magna ars est contra artifices loqui et apud illos aliquid agere, qui se putant omnia praevidere. lactare igitur tanto iudicio, quando ante suscipis electionis donum, quam tuum probare potuisses ingenium.