Letter 8030: The administration of justice is the highest calling of government, for without it no kingdom can endure.

The administration of justice is the highest calling of government, for without it no kingdom can endure. We have chosen you for this responsibility because your reputation for fairness and your knowledge of the law commend you. But reputation is only the beginning -- it must be sustained by daily practice. Judge each case on its merits. Do not allow the wealth or status of a litigant to tip the scales. The poor man's complaint deserves the same attention as the rich man's. Remember that every unjust judgment weakens the fabric of the law, while every just one strengthens it. Those who come before you should leave confident that they have been heard, even if the verdict is not in their favor. For the goal of justice is not to please everyone but to serve the truth. We will watch your progress with keen interest, and merit will not go unrewarded.

XXX. GENESIO V. S. ATHALARICUS REX. [1] Amore civitatis vestrae antiqui operis formam domnus quidem avus noster regia largitate construxit. sed nihil prodest aquarum copias urbibus inmisisse, nisi nunc provideatur cloacarum opportuna digestio: more vitae humanae, cuius ista salubritas continetur, si quod ore quis suscipit, alia parte corporis relaxatus effuderit. [2] Et ideo sublimitas tua Parmenses municipes huic faciet operi naviter insistere, quatenus antiquos cuniculos sive subterraneos sive qui iunguntur marginibus platearum diligenter emendent, ut cum sollemniter optatus vobis liquor influxerit, nulla abiecti laetaminis obiectione tardetur: quia gratiam unda non habet nisi quae iugiter influit et visa semper abscedit. illa enim quae pulchre rivis exercitata ridet, quam deformis est in lacunis: palus enim nec visu grata, nec iumentis accommoda. [3] Elementum pulcherrimum quidem, sed cum in naturali puritate servatur. sine hoc agri squalent, urbes anhela siccitate fatigantur, ut merito antiqua prudentia quos a civica conversatione segregandos esse iudicavit, aquarum interdictione puniverit. quapropter tam utillimae rei omnium debet studere consensus, quia civis animum non habet, qui urbis suae gratia non tenetur.