Letter 3014: VARIAE, BOOK 3, LETTER 14

VARIAE, BOOK 3, LETTER 14 From: King Theoderic, writing through Cassiodorus To: Aurigenus, Venerable Bishop Date: ~507-511 AD Context: Theoderic writes to a bishop about a man named Julian whose wife and property have been seized by the bishop's men — a case where the king intervenes to protect the sanctity of marriage against even ecclesiastical overreach. [1] Although we trust that your judgment disapproves of all wrongdoing, we are most confident that you detest whatever attacks the bonds of lawful marriage. For with what spirit can men of continence receive news of conduct that even laypeople condemn with disgust? Julian has therefore come before us with a tearful petition, complaining that his wife and his property have been seized by your men through unjust usurpation. If you recognize the truth of the petitioner's complaint and the accused cannot reasonably clear himself, strike at the person responsible without any delay. Evil grows when it is allowed to persist, and a healing good lies in swift correction of wrongdoing.

XIIII. AURIGENI VIRO VENERABILI EPISCOPO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Quamvis iudicio vestro credamus omnia facinora displicere, maxime a vobis confidimus exsecrandum quod matrimonii genialis impugnat affectum. quibus enim animis a continentibus accipitur, quod etiam laicorum detestatione damnatur? Iulianus itaque nobis lacrimabili aditione conquestus est uxorem suam vel res a vestris hominibus iniusta usurpatione pervasas. unde si veram petitionem supplicantis agnoscitis nec se rationabiliter pulsatus absolvit, in auctorem facti sine aliqua tarditate resecate. malum enim cum perseverat, augetur, et remediale bonum est in peccatum accelerata correctio.