Letter 7019: We have learned from the report of many that the named individual, trained in upright character, is capable of...
Cassiodorus→Praetorian (regarding appointment of armorer supervisors -- formula)|c. 522 AD|Cassiodorus
barbarian invasion
From: Cassiodorus, on behalf of the King
To: The Praetorian Prefect (regarding the appointment of armorer supervisors -- formula)
Date: ~522 AD
Context: A brief formula notifying the Praetorian Prefect of a new appointment over the armorer corps.
We have learned from the report of many that the named individual, trained in upright character, is capable of faithfully carrying out what is entrusted to him. Therefore, let your illustrious greatness know that we have chosen him both to command the soldiers in accordance with ancient custom and to direct the armorer craftsmen, so that they may fulfill their duties with such skill that no fault can be found in their work. Although negligence is harmful everywhere, here it strikes especially hard if the instruments of war are neglected. It amounts to treason to deprive the army of what is known to arm it. Your providence will assign them their customary provisions, so that once the excuse of lacking supplies is removed, the necessary work may be demanded more vigorously.
XVIIII.
FORMULA AD PPO DE ARMIFACTORIBUS.
[1] Multorum insinuatione comperimus illum probis moribus institutum commissa sibi posse fideliter expedire. idcirco illustris magnitudo vestra nos eum elegisse cognoscat, ut et militibus praesit secundum morem pristinum et artificibus iubere possit armorum, quatenus consuetudines suas sic eleganter adimpleant, ut nulla in eis inveniri possit offensio. quia licet ubique culpa laedat, hic tamen graviter percutit, si bellorum instrumenta neglexerit. proditionis quippe instar est exercitui subtrahere quod eum constat armare. quibus consuetudines suas providentia vestra deputabit, ut, dum illis excusatio victualium tollitur, necessaria vivacius exigantur.
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From:Cassiodorus, on behalf of the King
To:The Praetorian Prefect (regarding the appointment of armorer supervisors -- formula)
Date:~522 AD
Context:A brief formula notifying the Praetorian Prefect of a new appointment over the armorer corps.
We have learned from the report of many that the named individual, trained in upright character, is capable of faithfully carrying out what is entrusted to him. Therefore, let your illustrious greatness know that we have chosen him both to command the soldiers in accordance with ancient custom and to direct the armorer craftsmen, so that they may fulfill their duties with such skill that no fault can be found in their work. Although negligence is harmful everywhere, here it strikes especially hard if the instruments of war are neglected. It amounts to treason to deprive the army of what is known to arm it. Your providence will assign them their customary provisions, so that once the excuse of lacking supplies is removed, the necessary work may be demanded more vigorously.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.