Letter 4021: King Theodoric to Gemellus, Vir Spectabilis [Most Respectable].

XXI. KING THEODERIC TO GEMELLUS, MOST ELOQUENT MAN [vir spectabilis, a senatorial rank]. [1] Although we believe that your diligence presses on with what has been enjoined and zealously turns aside from whatever you have come to know displeases us, nevertheless our admonition does not abandon one who is anxious, so that you may be rendered better instructed, once you have received the matters defined in the brief instructions written below. Accordingly, our ordinance ought to seem ungracious to no one, since the necessity of the time excuses the burdens of our command. [2] Be therefore attentive to the things enjoined, because, although care must always be applied, the greatest watchfulness is nevertheless useful in time of necessity. You will obey, then, having been admonished, so that you may be able to deal with the provincials in such a way as you perceive that we wish to show favor to them, to the end that, secure of our goodwill, you may obtain whatever you have, in your diligence, scorned to possess through wrongful zeal.

XXI. GEMELLO V. S. THEODERICUS REX. [1] Quamvis efficaciam tuam insistere credamus iniunctis et studiose deflectere quae nobis cognoveris displicere, tamen sollicitum ammonitio nostra non deserit, ut instructior reddaris, dum infra scriptis brevibus definita susceperis. proinde ordinatio nostra nulli videri debet ingrata, cum necessitas temporis excuset onera iussionis. [2] Esto itaque ad iniuncta sollicitus, quia licet sit semper adhibenda, maxima tamen utilis est in necessitate custodia. parebis ergo commonitus, ut sic possis cum provincialibus agere, quemadmodum nos eis respicis velle praestare, quatenus securus de nostra gratia consequaris, quicquid sollicitus de pravo studio habere contempseris.