Letter 3022: It is fitting that we adorn our court with noble men, so that their wishes may be fulfilled and our retinue may be...

From: Cassiodorus, on behalf of King Theoderic To: Artemidorus, Vir Illustris Date: ~522 AD Context: A courteous summons to an elderly nobleman to attend the royal court, couched in the language of honor and friendship. It is fitting that we adorn our court with noble men, so that their wishes may be fulfilled and our retinue may be graced by the merits of distinguished persons. We therefore summon your greatness by this edict to our presence -- which we have no doubt is most welcome to you -- so that you, who have spent a long life in our company, may be captured once again by the sweetness of our presence. A man hastens to a prince from whom he can expect to find even a mere glance favorable. For one who is permitted to enjoy our conversation considers it a gift...

XXII. ARTEMIDORO V. I. THEODERICUS REX. [1] Congruit comitatum nostrum viris nos decorare nobilibus, ut et illorum expleatur votum et obsequium nostrum ornent merita personarum. proinde magnitudinem tuam ad conspectus nostros, quos tibi non ambigimus esse gratissimos, his oraculis evocamus, ut qui longa nobiscum aetate versatus es, praesentiae nostrae dulcedine capiaris. festinat enim ad principem, qui vel solum potest videre propitium: nam cui licet habere nostra colloquia, munera credit esse divina. quapropter non tardamus desiderium, cuius optamus aspectum. venire te gaudentem credimus, quem alacriter sustinemus.