Letter 8023: Although a king's munificence should shine daily like the sun and he should constantly do something to display...

From: Athalaric (through Cassiodorus), King of the Ostrogoths To: Bergantinus, Count of the Patrimony Date: ~527 AD Context: Athalaric grants an estate to Bergantinus, arguing that a king's generosity should shine daily like the sun and that fulfilling obligations to one's ancestors is especially meritorious. Although a king's munificence should shine daily like the sun and he should constantly do something to display princely generosity, a debt of conscience is especially discharged when what is given to one's ancestors is given under the rule of justice. Rulers gain what they cannot lose when they render what ancestors deserved. The memory of a parent is a sweet thing, and whatever brings their names to mind stirs the deepest feelings. We owe much to those from whose toil our peace was born. We have inherited the fruits of their labor, and it is fitting that we repay the seeds they planted. Therefore, moved by the merits of your father, who served our predecessors with distinguished loyalty, we grant you the designated estate from the royal patrimony. Accept it as a token not merely of our generosity but of our gratitude -- for in honoring the faithful service of your father, we encourage faithful service in the present. Let those who serve the throne know that their devotion will be remembered across generations.

XXIII. BERGANTINO V. I. COMITI PATRIMONII ATHALARICUS REX. [1] Licet munificentiam regis cotidie deceat cum sole relucere et iugiter aliquid facere, quo possit largitas principis apparere, hinc tamen conscientiae debitum solvitur, quotiens parentibus sub aequitate praestatur. lucrantur principes dona sua et hoc vere thesauris reponimus, quod famae commodis applicamus. absit enim, ut negemus affini, quod solemus custodire subiectis: quando qui nobis sanguine coniungitur, plus meretur nec fraudari potest proprio desiderio, qui militat sub iudice gratioso. [2] Atque ideo illustrem magnitudinem tuam praecelso atque amplissimo viro Theodahado massas subter annexas tot solidos pensitantes ex patrimonio quondam magnificae feminae matris ipsius praecipimus reformari, eius feliciter dominio plenissime vindicandas, cuius successionis integrum ius in ea qua praecipimus parte largimur. [3] De cuius fide ac sinceritate praesumimus, ut sequenti tempore reliqua supra memorati patrimonii cum adiecta quantitate mereatur. quid enim tali viro negare possimus, qui etiam meliora suis obtinere possit obsequiis, vel si non probaretur affinis? vir quem nobilitatis suae nulla inflat elatio, modestia humilis, prudentia semper aequalis quid a nobis mereatur, intendite, quando ad gloriam nostram trahimus, quod eum proximum confitemur. [4] Quapropter aequissimae iussioni operam navanter impendite delectisque sedis vestrae chartariis designatas massas actoribus eius sine aliqua dilatione contradite, ut summa nobis caritate sociato gratia praesentis muneris reddatur acceptior.