Letter 12017: The fortification of cities is the sure hope of all, since in peacetime foreign peoples learn from it what they...

17. King Athalaric to Iohannes, water-conduit official [liquatarius] of Ravenna. [1] The fortification of cities is the sure hope of all, since it is learned in peacetime by foreign nations what may be truly feared in conflict. For the dwelling-place of each individual city is full of men of various kinds. Who knows with what nation he may clash? Therefore all ought to recognize that it would not be welcome for future enemies to hear of. Wherefore, by our command, you shall take care to admonish the landholders that, beside Mount Caprarius and the surrounding places, the huge mouths of trenches be opened along the walls, and that such a chasm lie open there that no point of entry be left there. Why, you abominable men, do you search out unlawful approaches, when entrance through the gates is freely permitted? You seem to be concealing something, you who do not desire to enter openly. [2] An upright conscience keeps to the public roads, rejoices in conversation with those it meets, and, while it gladly seeks out different people, is not weighed down by the tedium of effort. But it is a friend to crime to wish to remain unknown, and he who hides his ways betrays his conscience. Accordingly, let the ancient routes be recalled to general use, lest, while men seek a shortening of their labor, they suffer the loss of their lives. For that man is rightly to be held an enemy who strives to violate the defenses of a city.

XVII. IOHANNI LIQUATARIO RAVENNATI ATHALARICUS REX. [1] Munitio civitatum spes est certa cunctorum, quando in pace ab exteris gentibus discitur, quod veraciter in certamine timeatur. plena est enim diversis generibus hominum habitatio urbium singularum. quis novit cum qua gente confligat? ideoque omnes debent agnoscere quod futuris hostibus gratum non sit audire. quapropter ex nostra iussione possessores ammonere curabis, ut iuxta montem Caprarium et loca circumiecta muris fovearum ingentia ora pandantur talisque ibi pateat hiatus, ut nullus ibi relinquatur introitus. cur, nefandi homines, perscrutamini accessus inlicitos, quibus portarum permittitur licenter ingressus? nescio quid videmini tegere, qui palam non desideratis intrare. [2] Conscientia recta vias publicas tenet, obviorum collocutione gratulatur et cum diversos gratanter inquirit, laboris taedio non gravatur. amicum est autem crimini velle nesciri et qui vias suas occulit, conscientiam prodit. proinde in usus generales itinera prisca revocentur, ne, dum compendium laboris quaerunt, vitae dispendia patiantur. ille enim iure habendus est hostis, qui munimina nititur violare civitatis.