Letter 5018: Public utility, just as it serves the preservation of all, must be accomplished by the effort and labor of all --...

From: Cassiodorus, on behalf of King Theoderic To: Wilia, Count of the Royal Patrimony Date: ~522 AD Context: Theoderic orders the assembly of shipwrights and timber for the construction of warships (dromons) at Ravenna. Public utility, just as it serves the preservation of all, must be accomplished by the effort and labor of all -- since it is a great opportunity for distinction if something is accomplished individually for the common cause. The man who helps others commends himself, especially when he recognizes he has also helped himself. You will recall that we previously ordered that shipbuilding craftsmen be recruited from our household estates. These men, provided with God's help, we command to report without delay to the city of Ravenna by the Ides of June [June 13], so that their arrival may be opportunely offered to the construction of ships. Work that is divided tends to create its own delays, and it is not enough to complete one vessel if we fail to provide for both. Furthermore, if any timber suitable for building dromons [light warships -- fast galleys used for naval patrols and military transport] can be found on the banks of the River Po on royal estates, the craftsmen assigned to this project by the distinguished Abundantius, Praetorian Prefect, shall have permission to cut it. We wish this example to be set first on our own estates...

XVIII. VVILIAE V. I. COMITI PATRIMONII THEODERICUS REX. [1] Utilitas publica sicut ad conservationem respicit omnium, ita debet perfici studio ac labore cunctorum, quia magnae laudis occasio est, si in causa communi aliquid singulariter videatur impleri. facit enim unde commendetur et reliquis, qui tamen et sibi se profuisse cognoscit. pridem igitur nos iussisse meministi, ut per domum nostram navigandi quaererentur artifices. [2] Quos deo auxiliante provisos ad Ravennatem urbem die iduum Iuniarum praecipimus incunctanter occurrere, ut adventus eorum constructioni navium opportune videatur offerri, ne res divisae generare sibi videantur aliquam tarditatem et parum sit unam perficere, nisi contingat utramque procurare. [3] Si qua etiam per ripam fluminis Padi ligna fabricandis apta dromonibus in praediis regalibus potuerint reperiri, artificibus huic operi a magnifico viro Abundantio praefecto praetorio deputatis abscidendi sit permissa licentia. volumus enim hoc exemplum a nostris praediis incohare, ut nulli gravis sit iussio, quae constringit et principem.