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

24. KING THEODERIC TO HELPIDIUS THE DEACON. [1] Things bestowed upon the deserving turn to profit, and from the gift itself more is gained when worthy things are granted to the best of men. From the tenor of your petition, accordingly, we have learned that certain places in the city of Spoletium, which already through long neglect the squalor of age had overspread, seek the splendor of restoration, so that to things thrown into confusion by antiquity a full-grown appearance of newness may be given back, and that by your good office those things may rise again revived which, bowed down by their many years, had fallen into ruin. This we, out of regard for your merits and for the service you have rendered with long diligence, have judged should be granted with a willing mind, so that both a just outcome may be bestowed upon the prayers of those who ask rightly, and the adornment of restoration may grow for the city. [2] And therefore we grant strength to your petition by our present kindness, so that you may possess, by an unconditional liberality, the portico together with the little courtyard behind the baths of Turasius, provided nevertheless that it does not serve the public use; for in granting license to restore, rewards are received rather than given away. Supported therefore by this authority, take confidence to build upon the places named above, and fear no challenge in time to come, since both the advantage of the city and the reverend will of the prince protect you.

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.