Letter 2020: Everyone should gladly contribute what they see can serve the public good, since the limbs must feel what affects...

20. KING THEODERIC TO WILIGIS, SAIO [a royal agent or enforcer]. [1] It is fitting that all should gladly contribute whatever they see can have regard to the public welfare, since it is necessary that the limbs feel that which is felt by the head of the body. And therefore by the present command we decree that, however many lightering-boats [shallow transport vessels] you are able to find in the city of Ravenna, you are to bring them all the way to us laden with the public grain, so that the public sustenance, relieved by such a provision, need not endure the hardship of scarcity. Let Ravenna restore to Liguria the abundance which it has been accustomed to receive from her. For that place which sustains our presence ought to find the support of many. For our retinue draws along throngs of attendants, and, while men hasten to the granting of benefits, an abundance of necessities is demanded for the people.

XX. VVILIGIS SAIONI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Omnes decet gratanter impendere quod publicas videt utilitates posse respicere, quando necesse est hoc membra sentire, quod corporis summa sentitur. atque ideo praesenti decernimus iussione, ut quantas in Ravennati urbe exculcatorias potueris reperire, frumentis fiscalibus oneratas ad nos usque perducas, quatenus alimonia publica tali provisione relevata necessitatem inopiae non debeant sustinere. reddat Ravenna copiam Liguriae, quam ex ipsa consuevit accipere. nam quae praesentiam nostram sustinet, multorum debet solacia reperire. trahit enim comitatus noster observantium catervas et, dum ad beneficia praestanda curritur, necessaria populis copia postulatur.