Letter 2029: Although we wish no one under our protection to suffer any burden -- since a ruler's glory lies in the undisturbed...

From: Theoderic (through Cassiodorus), King of the Ostrogoths To: Adila, Count Date: ~522 AD Context: Theoderic orders Count Adila to protect the properties and servants of the church of Milan in Sicily. Although we wish no one under our protection to suffer any burden -- since a ruler's glory lies in the undisturbed peace of his subjects -- we are especially eager that churches be kept free from all injury. When they are treated fairly, we gain the mercy of God. Therefore, moved by the petition of the most blessed Bishop Eustorgius of the holy church of Milan, we instruct you to provide protection to the properties and people of this church located within Sicily, maintaining civil order. Do not allow anyone of any nation to oppress them unjustly -- those who deserve to be supported out of reverence for God. However, they must not delay in answering any public or private lawsuits reasonably brought against them, because just as we do not want them burdened by anyone, neither do we allow them to be found outside the path of justice.

XXVIIII. ADILAE V. S. COMITI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Quamvis nullos velimus gravamen aliquod sustinere, quos videtur pietas nostra protegere, quia regnantis est gloria subiectorum otiosa tranquillitas, tamen specialiter ecclesias ab omni iniuria reddi cupimus alienas, quibus dum aequabilia praestantur, misericordia divinitatis adquiritur. [2] Et ideo beatissimi viri Eustorgii episcopi sanctae Mediolanensis ecclesiae petitione permoti praesentibus te affatibus ammonemus, ut praediis vel hominibus huius ecclesiae intra Siciliam constitutis tuitionem studeas salva civilitate praestare, nec a quoquam cuiuslibet nationis homine contra fas patiaris opprimi, quos decet divinitatis intuitu sublevari: ita tamen, ut causis publicis et privatis, quae contra eos rationabiliter proponuntur, respondere non differant, quia, sicut nolumus eos ab aliquo praegravari, ita exceptos a tramite iustitiae non patimur inveniri.