Letter 3043: We delight in living by Roman law among those we seek to defend by arms, and our concern for moral order is no less...

We delight in living by Roman law among those we seek to defend by arms, and our concern for moral order is no less than our concern for war. What good does it do to drive out the barbarian threat if we do not live under law? Therefore, since our army has entered Gaul with God's favor, if any slaves who had fled their masters transferred themselves to others who had no rightful claim, we order them to be restored to their original owners without any hesitation. Rights must not be confused when justice reigns, and a defender of liberty cannot favor the theft of another's slave. Other kings' wars may seek the plunder or ruin of conquered cities. Our policy, with God's help, is to conquer in such a way that our subjects regret only that they did not come under our rule sooner.

XLIII. UNIGIS SPATHARIO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Delectamur iure Romano vivere quos armis cupimus vindicare, nec minor nobis est cura rerum moralium quam potest esse bellorum. quid enim proficit barbaros removisse confusos, nisi vivatur ex legibus? [2] Quapropter cum deo propitio Gallias exercitus noster intravit, si qua mancipia servitium declinantia ad alios se, quam quibus videbantur competere, contulerunt, prioribus dominis iubemus sine aliqua dubietate restitui, quia confundi non decent iura imperante iustitia nec potest abiecto favere servitio libertatis defensor. [3] Aliorum forte regum proelia captarum civitatum aut praedas appetunt aut ruinas: nobis propositum est deo iuvante sic vincere, ut subiecti se doleant nostrum dominium tardius adquisisse.