Letter 7021: Although ancient custom has directed that the collection of the bina et terna taxes should fall to your office,...

From: Cassiodorus, on behalf of the King To: A provincial judge (formula for bina et terna collection through officials) Date: ~522 AD Context: A variant of the previous tax-collection formula, this time dispatching treasury clerks to assist the provincial judge, reflecting the central government's distrust of local officials. Although ancient custom has directed that the collection of the bina et terna taxes should fall to your office, nonetheless -- so that the burden of multiple responsibilities should not overwhelm you and a doubled concern should not create obstacles -- we have decided to dispatch the clerks named from our bureau to assist you and your staff. With their support, see that the customary amount is delivered to the distinguished Count of the Sacred Largesses by the Kalends of March [March 1], lest you be held publicly responsible if you allow any delay in the sacred revenues...

XXI. FORMULA BINORUM ET TERNORUM, SI PER OFFICIUM AGANTUR. [1] Quamvis prisca consuetudo binorum et ternorum exactionem ad te iusserit pertinere, tamen, ne te multiplex occupatio praegravaret et impedimenta tibi faceret sollicitudo geminata, illum et illum scriniarios officii nostri duximus destinandos, ut tibi officioque tuo debeant imminere, quatenus cum eorum solacio intra kal. Martiarum diem ad illustrem virum illum comitem sacrarum largitionum sollemnis quantitas deferatur, ne opinionis publicae reus efficiaris, si largitiones sacras per moram aliquam putaveris esse tardandas. ita ut te excipiendum esse non existimes, quem nos credidimus adiuvandum. nam si quid minus fuerit quam oportebat illatum, de tuis hoc noveris facultatibus eruendum.