Letter 5019: A man who carries out his orders effectively earns trust for greater things, because tasks are entrusted without...

19. KING THEODERIC TO GUDINAND THE SAIO [a royal agent or enforcer]. [1] Whoever effectively carries out what has been enjoined makes greater things be entrusted to him, since without doubt something is committed to the man who is proven excellent, and an honorable recommendation is the evidence of a second judgment confirming the first. And therefore, by the appointment of the magnificent men Abundantius, praetorian prefect, and Wilia, count of the patrimony, we order you to hasten to that province, so that you may compel the sailors who dwell both in the royal estate and in other places, made ready according to the earlier instructions, to make haste to the city of Ravenna on the day of the Ides of June, with God's help, so that no delay may be brought to such illustrious commands. Beware, therefore, lest venality stain you or shameful negligence entangle you, and lest you be crushed by the weight of so great a matter falling upon you, if you should prove unequal to such great and important affairs.

XVIIII. GUDINANDO SAIONI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Maiora sibi facit credi, quisquis efficaciter iniuncta peregerit, quia indubitanter illi aliquid committitur qui optime comprobatur, et honestum suffragium est secundi iudicii documentum prionis. atque ideo ordinatione magnificorum virorum Abundantii praefecti praetorio atque VViliae comitis patrimonii ad illam provinciam te iubemus excurrere, ut tam de domo regia quam in locis aliis habitantes secundum priora praecepta provisos nautas ad urbem Ravennatem die iduum Iuniarum deo auxiliante festinare compellas, quatenus nulla tarditas tam praeclaris iussionibus afferatur. cave ergo ne te venalitas maculet aut neglectus turpis involvat et tam magnae rei supra te ruentis pondere comprimaris, si tantis ac talibus rebus impar extiteris.