Letter 4049: King Theodoric to All Provincials, Capillati [free Gothic settlers], Defensores [city advocates], and Town...
King Theodoric to All Provincials, Capillati [free Gothic settlers], Defensores [city advocates], and Town Councillors Residing in Siscia or the Province of Savia [the region around modern Sisak, Croatia].
The severity of royal command must never be withdrawn, so that fear may restrain the bold and the hope of future relief may comfort the afflicted. A threat that is proclaimed often accomplishes more than the punishment itself. With God's help, we have therefore appointed Fridibadus to govern your region. He is to restrain cattle thieves with lawful severity, put a stop to murders, punish thefts, and deliver you from the criminal violence that now tears you apart. Live in order. Live by sound principles. Let no one's nationality, let no one's rank, serve as an excuse. Whoever gives himself over to wicked ways must inevitably answer to justice.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
King Athalaric to All Provincials Settled Throughout the Gauls.
We take pleasure in assigning men of proven moral character to public duties, so that the faithful service of good...
King Theodoric to Senarius, Vir Illustris [Most Illustrious], Count of the Private Estates.
---
A man who carries out his orders effectively earns trust for greater things, because tasks are entrusted without...