Letter 2005: King Theodoric to Faustus, Praetorian Prefect.

KING THEODERIC TO FAUSTUS, PRAETORIAN PREFECT. [1] Since our humane disposition seems to seek out an occasion for generosity, and from time to time, out of love of clemency, bestows what it desires even upon persons less in need, how much more does it delight to spend upon the advantage of the commonwealth, where whatever is granted, the benefit to the giver is doubled! Therefore, by the present authority, we direct your illustrious magnificence to furnish, without any hesitation, the provisions [annonae] to the sixty soldiers permanently stationed in the Augustan passes [the Alpine clusurae], just as they have been decreed to others as well, so that the advantage of the commonwealth may be fulfilled with a grateful spirit, that commonwealth which is aided by the conveniences of its emoluments. [2] For it is fitting to think upon the soldier's dealings, who for the general tranquility is known to toil in the frontier places, and who, as if from a certain gate of the province, is proven to shut out the inroads of foreign peoples. He will always be ready for battle who strives to keep off the barbarians, because fear alone restrains those whom a promised loyalty does not hold back.

V. FAUSTO PPO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Cum nostra humanitas locum munificentiae videatur exquirere et interdum personis minus necessariis amore clementiae sua desideria largiatur, quanto magis in utilitate rei publicae delectatur expendere, ubi quicquid tribuitur, donantis utilitas duplicatur! quapropter illustrem magnificentiam tuam praesenti auctoritate praecipimus sexaginta militibus in Augustanis clusuris iugiter constitutis annonas, sicut aliis quoque decretae sunt, sine aliqua dubitatione praestare, ut utilitas rei publicae grato animo compleatur, quae emolumentorum commoditatibus adiuvatur. [2] Decet enim cogitare de militis transactione, qui pro generali quiete finalibus locis noscitur insudare et quasi a quadam porta provinciae gentiles introitus probatur excludere. in procinctu semper erit, qui barbaros prohibere contendit, quia solus metus cohibet, quos fides promissa non retinet.