Letter 4024: What is given to the deserving counts as a gain for both sides, since the very act of giving achieves more when...

King Theodoric to Helpidius, Deacon. What is given to the deserving counts as a gain for both sides, since the very act of giving achieves more when worthy men receive what they are due. From your petition we have learned that certain properties in the city of Spoleto [in Umbria, central Italy], which the long neglect of age had buried under the grime of decay, are crying out for the splendor of restoration -- so that what time and confusion have ruined may be given a fresh face, and what had collapsed under the weight of years may rise again through your efforts. Out of regard for your merits and long faithful service, we have gladly granted this request, so that those who ask for what is just may see their wishes fulfilled, and the city may gain the ornament of restoration. By this present favor we therefore grant your petition: you are to have, by free grant, the portico with its adjacent courtyard behind the Baths of Turasus -- provided it does not serve any public use. For property given over for the purpose of rebuilding is better described as a reward than a gift. Supported by this authority, take confidence in building upon the said properties, and fear no future legal challenge -- for you are protected both by the benefit to your city and by the respected will of the prince.

XXIIII. HELPIDIO DIACONO THEODERICUS REX. [1] In lucrum cedunt quae bene meritis conferuntur et de ipso munere magis adquiritur, cum optimis digna praestantur. petitionis tuae proinde tenore comperimus loca in Spoletina civitate, quae iam longo situ squalor vetustatis obnuberat, splendorem reparationis expetere, ut rebus antiquitate confusis novitatis facies adulta reddatur et beneficio tuo rediviva consurgant, quae annositate inclinata corruerant. quod nos, respectu meritorum tuorum et impensi longa sedulitate servitii, libenti animo duximus annuendum, ut et votis iusta poscentium tribuatur effectus et civitati reparationis crescat ornatus. [2] Atque ideo petitioni tuae robur praesenti humanitate largimur, ut porticum cum areola post Turasi thermas, si tamen publico usui non deservit, absoluta liberalitate potiaris: quia in licentiam reparationis accipiuntur potius praemia quam donantur. hac igitur auctoritate suffultus in supra dictis locis aedificandi sume fiduciam nec aliquam in posterum metuas quaestionem, cum te et civitatis tuetur utilitas et reverenda principis voluntas.