Letter 2037: The generosity of our reign should keep pace with our growth, relaxing its gifts in proportion to the state's...

XXXVII. King Theoderic to Faustus, Praetorian Prefect. [1] The benevolence of our reign ought to keep pace with its advancement, so that our generosity may relax in gifts as much as the commonwealth has received in increase. For we cannot otherwise preserve a praiseworthy measure unless we rouse our resolve to a consideration of our affairs. For amid so many successes day by day, with God's favor, it would be the vice of niggardliness to be content with a narrow munificence. And therefore let your illustrious Magnificence learn by this present authority that there is to be assigned to the citizens of Spoleto, for the maintenance of the baths, a further thousand [measures] beyond the customary amount. For we gladly desire to expend what we know pertains to the well-being of the citizens, because the celebrated joys of the peoples are the praises of our times.

XXXVII. FAUSTO PPO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Provectum regni nostri benignitas debet aemulari, ut tnatum humanitas relaxet dona, quantum res publica suscepit augmenta. non enim aliter laudatum modum possumus custodire, nisi ad considerationem rerum nostrum debeamus excitare propositum. inter tot enim cottidie deo propitiante successus tenacitatis esset vitium angusta largitate contentum. atque ideo illustris magnificentia tua praesenti auctoritate cognoscat Spoletinis civibus ad exhibitionem thermarum supra consuetudinem aliam millenam esse deputandam. cupimus enim libenter impendere quae ad salubritatem novimus civium pertinere, quia laudes sunt nostrorum temporum celebrata gaudia populorum.