Letter 10017: Learn, citizens, with what firmness your prince has loved you: tried by harsh circumstances, he has refused to let...

KING THEODAHAD TO THE ROMAN PEOPLE. [1] Know, Quirites [citizens of Rome], with what steadfastness your prince has loved you, that, though tried by harsh circumstances, he has not allowed you to be anxious; nor have we wished your prayers to be put off any longer, you whom we always desire to rejoice in the fullest renown of the commonwealth. For your security is our adornment, and this we truly receive with gladness, when we perceive that you have joy. Therefore, swayed by your petitions, we have decreed that oaths be furnished to you through such-and-such a man and such-and-such a man, so that you may not have the disposition of your king unknown to you: nor let it be permitted to go astray through false suspicions, while what you believe concerning your prince is manifestly held secure. [2] Consider what kindness seems to be bestowed upon you, when he swears who cannot be compelled. For we know that we have been given as a remedy for all: we do not disdain to heal our subjects: and therefore, although it might seem unbefitting to our eminence, we have willingly consented to do what we approve that the whole body of the people has desired. Understand how great a charge your affection seems to lay upon us: we are bound to you by faith, who are admonished by the sacred readings to keep our promises even by a single word. Show now your devotion: supplicate continually to the heavenly Majesty, that the tranquil times, which we desire you to have, may be granted by a heavenly gift.

XVII. POPULO ROMANO THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Cognoscite, Quirites, quali vos princeps vester firmitate dilexerit, ut temptatus asperis rebus non vos pateretur esse sollicitos, nec voluimus amplius vota vestra differri, quos semper optamus in summa rei publicae celebritate laetari. vestra enim securitas noster ornatus est et hoc vere gratanter accipimus, cum gaudia vos habere sentimus. quapropter, flexi petitionibus vestris, per illum atque illum praestari vobis sacramenta censuimus, ut regis vestri animum non habeatis incognitum: nec liceat falsis suspicionibus errare, dum manifeste teneatur quod credatis in principe. [2] Aestimate quid vobis benignitatis videatur impendi, quando ille iurat, qui non potest cogi. scimus enim pro remedio nos datos esse cunctorum: non despicimus sanare subiectos: et ideo, licet culmini nostro videretur incongruum, libenter adquievimus facere, quod generalitatem probamus optasse. intellegite, quantum nobis imponere vester videatur affectus: fide vobis constringimur, qui vel solo verbo promissa servare sacris lectionibus ammonemur. ostendite nunc devotionem vestram: supernae maiestati iugiter supplicate, ut tranquilla tempora, quae vos habere cupimus, caelesti munere concedantur.