Letter 5011: King Theodoric to the Gepids Dispatched to Gaul.

King Theodoric to the Gepids Dispatched to Gaul. It had been our original plan to distribute provisions to you along the route. But to prevent the supplies from being spoiled or distributed with difficulty, we have chosen instead to send you three solidi in gold per wagon-load -- so that you may select your own campsites wherever pasture is abundant, and buy whatever suits you best. A landowner is far more willing to come forward when he knows you intend to pay for what you need. Set out with good fortune. Travel with discipline. Let your march be such as befits men who labor for the safety of all.

XI. GEPIDIS AD GALLIAS DESTINATIS THEODERICUS REX. [1] Fuerat quidem dispositionis nostrae, ut vobis iter agentibus annonas iuberemus expendi: sed ne species ipsae aut corruptae aut difficile praeberentur, in auro vobis tres solidos per condamam elegimus destinare, ut et mansiones vobis, prout herbarum copia suppetit, possitis eligere et quod vobis est aptum magis, emere debeatis. nam et possessorem haec res occurrere facit, si vos necessaria comparare cognoscit. movete feliciter, ite moderati. tale sit iter vestrum, quale decet esse qui laborant pro salute cunctorum.