Letter 2009: VARIAE, BOOK 2, LETTER 9

[1] Our humanity knows how to bend to prayers, yet out of devotion to mercy, it cannot always guard the strict boundaries of justice. It is the mark of a benevolent ruler to cross over into the territory of clemency when the occasion demands it. For the force of law must sometimes yield to compassion, lest a government that never forgives become indistinguishable from tyranny. We are approached not only as judges but as fathers, and a father who cannot occasionally relent ceases to inspire the love that is the truest foundation of obedience. [2] Therefore, in the case that has been brought before us, we instruct you to exercise the royal mercy we have authorized, tempering justice with compassion in the manner that befits our reign. Let the petitioner know that it was not weakness but wisdom that moved us, and let all understand that in our kingdom, the powerful owe the weak not only justice but, when the occasion warrants it, generosity.

VIIII. FAUSTO PPO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Inclinari precibus nostra novit humanitas nec pro affectu pietatis fines potest iustitiae custodire. benigni quippe principis est ad clementiae commodum transilire terminos aequitatum: quando sola est misericordia, cui omnes virtutes honorabiliter cedere non recusant. [2] Dudum siquidem aestimatis meritis Sabino aurigae unum solidum menstruum feceramus: nunc autem quamvis histrio honesta nos supplicatione permovit, asserens ut qui laetitiae publicae minister existit, mendicitate tristissima non debeat ingravari. et ideo praesenti iussione decernimus, ut alterum solidum per mensem supra memoratus equorum moderator accipiat, quod publicis debeat rationibus imputari. gaudemus enim, quotiens expensarum paginae his titulis onerantur, quia magnum nobis est commodum, quando nonnulla pauperibus in qualibet conversatione largimur.