Letter 7035: To have sought the presence of a just ruler is proof of a good conscience, since only a person confident in the...

From: Cassiodorus (formula template) To: [Summoned person -- summons granted upon request] Date: ~522 AD Context: Template for a summons issued when someone has petitioned to visit the court, framed as proof of a clear conscience. To have sought the presence of a just ruler is proof of a good conscience, since only a person confident in the great purity of his mind can desire it. Only clear eyes seek the sight of the sun, because only those with the purest vision can endure its blazing rays. So too, those who trust in the sincerity of their hearts seek the prince's presence. For this reason, we graciously grant you the confidence of coming to court, lest the honor of the summons -- which was invented for your glory -- should become an injury through any delay. Indeed, we welcome the desire of those who wish to come, because we grow stronger when we gather noble men to our service.

XXXV. FORMULA EVOCATORIAE, QUAE PETENTI CONCEDITUR. [1] Manifestatio est conscientiae bonae praesentiam iusti principis expetisse, quam solus ille desiderare potest, qui de magna mentis puritate confidit. aspectum solis nisi clara lumina non requirunt, quia illi tantum possunt rutilantes pati radios, quos constat oculos habere purissimos. sic praesentiam principis ambiunt qui de cordis sinceritate praesumunt. [2] Hinc est quod veniendi tibi ad comitatum fiduciam grata mente largimur, ne honor evocationis, qui pro vestra gloria constat inventus, ad iniuriam convertatur, dum aliqua fuerit dilatione tardatus. invitamus quin immo desideria venientum, quia inde magis crescimus, si viros nobiles nostris obsequiis aggregamus.