Letter 4017: King Theodoric to Ibba, Vir Sublimis [Most Exalted], Dux [Military Commander].

King Theodoric to Ibba, Vir Sublimis [Most Exalted], Dux [Military Commander]. [Ibba was a senior Gothic general who commanded forces in southern Gaul. The reference to King Alaric is to Alaric II, the Visigothic king killed at the Battle of Vouille in 507.] A decision made by a previous king, one that was clearly made on reasonable grounds, we do not wish to see undermined by any uncertainty. What is established by a sound command should stand firm. Why should we overturn what came before, when there is nothing to correct? By this present authority we command you: the properties of the Church of Narbonne, which have been seized by squatters in violation of the decrees of the late glorious King Alaric, you are to see restored in the interest of fairness. We will not allow illegal encroachments to persist at the Church's expense when it is for our times to settle what has been thrown into confusion. Be altogether vigilant against such things, so that you who are renowned in war may also prove distinguished in civil governance. By upholding justice for ordinary people, you strengthen your own arms with God's help. You cannot plead that you were unable to resist wrongdoers, since everyone gladly yields to a man they have seen prove himself glorious in the trials of battle. A coward might be unable to command the bold; but no one more effectively commands the presumptuous than the man whose own deeds speak for him.

XVII. IBBAE VIRO SUBLIMI DUCI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Definitam rem ab antiquo rege, quam tamen constat rationabiliter esse decretam, nulla volumus ambiguitate titubare, quia decet firmum esse quod commendatur probabili iussione. cur enim priora quassemus, ubi nihil est quod corrigere debeamus? [2] Atque ideo praesenti tibi auctoritate praecipimus, ut possessiones Narbonensis ecclesiae secundum praecelsae recordationis Alarici praecepta, a quibuslibet pervasoribus occupatae teneantur, aequitatis facias contemplatione restitui, quia versari nolumus in ecclesiae dispendio praesumptiones illicitas, dum nostra deceat tempora sedare confusa. [3] Esto contra talia omnino sollicitus, ut qui es bello clarus, civilitate quoque reddaris eximius. sic et arma tua deo iuvante corroboras, si iustitiam mediocribus servare contendas. improbis enim non potuisse resistere non praevales excusare, quando omnes tibi libenter cedunt, quem gloriosum in bellorum certamine cognoverunt. ignavus forte audacibus iubere nihil possit: nemo plus praesumentibus imperat, quam quem sua facta commendant.