Letter 6012: VARIAE, BOOK 6, LETTER 12

[1] Many consider it a great and enviable thing to be occupied in service to the public good through honorable actions. But how much more fortunate to receive a splendid honor and be confirmed in it by the labors that follow, so that the dignity is not merely a title but a daily reality proved by one's conduct. The count who sits in his office and does nothing dishonors the appointment; the count who works tirelessly but dishonestly dishonors it even more. What we seek is the combination: diligence governed by integrity. [2] The rank of Count of the First Order places you among the highest officials of the realm. Your jurisdiction is extensive, your responsibilities are heavy, and the expectations placed upon you are proportionate to both. You will be judged not by the magnificence of your title but by the quality of your administration — and we are attentive judges. [3] Manage the affairs entrusted to you with the precision they require. Maintain accurate records, enforce the laws impartially, and remember that every decision you make carries the weight of the royal authority behind it. An office misused is a trust betrayed, and we do not treat betrayed trust lightly. [4] We confer this honor upon you for the current indiction, with the privileges and precedence that belong to your rank. May your tenure bring credit to the office and satisfaction to the crown.

XII. FORMULA COMITIVAE PRIMI ORDINIS. [1] Magnum quidem multis et inter vices videtur esse geniatum publicae utilitati probis actionibus occupari: sed quanto felicius honorem splendidum sumere et cogitationum molestias non habere? interdum enim assidui labores et ipsas ingratas faciunt dignitates, dum inbecillitas humana cito solet sustinere fastidia et quod prius ambisse creditur, postea vitare velle sentitur. sed hoc multo praestantius adesse conspectibus regiis et abesse molestiis, gratiam habere loci et vitare contumelias actionis. dulce est aliquid sic mereri, ut nulla possit anxietate turbari, dum multo gratius redditur, ubi prosperitatis sola gaudia sentiuntur. [2] Hunc igitur honorem tam tibi respicis otiosa remuneratione praestitum quam nimium laborantibus antiqua noscitur provisione collatus, ut rectores provinciarum anni actione laudatos vix ad tale culmen adducerent, quibus confitebantur plurima se debere. consiliarii quoque praefectorum conscientia clari, dictatione praecipui, qui in illo actu amplissimae praefecturae sic videntur exercere facundiam, ut ad utilitates publicas expediendas alteram credas esse quaesturam. unde frequenter et nos iudices assumimus, quia eos doctissimos comprobamus. [3] Quid ergo de tali honore sentiatur, agnosce, quando perfecti viri pro tot laudabilibus institutis huius inveniunt praemia dignitatis et merito cum tanta pompa ceditur, quae senatorii quoque ordinis splendore censetur, spectabilitas clara et consistorio nostro dignissima, quae inter illustres ingreditur, inter proceres advocatur: otiosi cinguli honore praecincta dignitas, quae nullum novit offendere, nullum cognoscitur ingravare et super omnia bona concitare nescit invidiam. [4] Quocirca provocati moribus tuis comitivam tibi primi ordinis ab illa indictione maiestatis favore largimur, ut consistorium nostrum sicut rogatus ingrederis, ita moribus laudatus exornes, quando vicinus honor est illustribus, dum alter medius non habetur. delectet te illos imitari, quos proximitate contingis. [5] Tu locum amplum et honorabilem facis, si te moderata conversatione tractaveris. ammoneat te certe, quod suscepta dignitas primi ordinis appellatione censetur, utique quia te sequuntur omnes qui spectabilitatis honore decorantur. sed vide ne quis te praecedat opinione, qui sequitur dignitate. alioquin grave pondus invidiae est splendere cinguli claritate et morum lampade non lucere.