Letter 1005: KING THEODERIC TO FLORIANUS, A MAN OF DISTINCTION.

King Theoderic to Florianus, Man of Distinction. [1] It is not fitting that concluded lawsuits be dragged out without measure. For what peace will be granted to those at odds, if they will not even acquiesce in lawful sentences? For there is one harbor set up amid human storms, and if men pass it by with fevered will, they will forever wander in the surging quarrels. [2] And therefore we declare to your Spectability by the present pronouncements that, if the matter stands as is supplicated by the present parties, and if in the court of Count Anna the controversy over the Mazenis estate has been decided according to the established laws, and is shown to be suspended by no appeal, then let the decrees that have been made be observed. [3] For just as we do not wish to deny judgment to the oppressed, so neither do we lend our assent to unreasonable complaints. For he ought to be compelled to be at peace who by his own fault refuses to be peaceable. For the man skilled in healing frequently saves the unwilling patient, when right will is lacking amid grave sufferings, but rather that very thing is sought after which is felt to be able to harm the patient in the judgment of the one who oversees his health.

V. FLORIANO V. S. THEODERICUS REX. [1] In inmensuns trahi non decet finita litigia. quae enim dabitur discordantibus pax, si nec legitimis sententiis adquiescant? unus enim inter procellas humanas portus instructes est, quem si homines fervida voluntate praetereunt, in undosis iurgiis semper errabunt. [2] Et ideo spectabilitati tuae praesentibus effamur oraculis, quatenus, si ita res se habet, ut a praesentibus supplicatur, et in comitis Annae iudicio Mazenis fundi controversia statutis legitimis est decisa nec aliqua probatur appellatione suspensa, quae sunt decreta serventur. [3] Quia sicut nolumus oppressis negare iudicium, ita irrationabilibus querelis non praebamus assensum. cogi enim debet, ut sit quietus, qui suo vitio renuit esse pacificus. nam et medendi peritus invitum frequenter salvat aegrotum, dum voluntas recta in gravibus passionibus non est, sed potius illud appetitur quod a salutis iudice gravare posse sentitur.