Letter 6023: VARIAE, BOOK 6, FORMULA 23

23. FORM OF THE COUNTSHIP OF NAPLES. [1] Among the other discoveries of antiquity and the astonishing glories of well-ordered affairs, this deserves to be exalted with all praise: that the comely face of the various cities is seen to be adorned by suitable administrations, so that an assembly of nobles is gathered together by a crowded meeting, and the knots of lawsuits are loosened by the adjudication of the law. Whence we too recognize that we hold no lesser glory, we who renew the deeds of the ancients by yearly solemnities. For what would a discovery profit, if it had not been continually preserved? [2] Dignities go forth from us shining like rays from the sun, so that justice, once guarded, may shine again in this part of our world. For we sow the benefits of so many advantages for this reason, that we may gather the security of the provincials. Our harvest is the repose of all, which we cannot otherwise call to mind, except in such a way that our subjects do not seem to have lost anything unreasonably. [3] And therefore we gladly bring you forward to the Countship of Naples for that indiction, so that you, as a fair weigher, may examine civil affairs, and may guard your reputation with such ripeness of judgment that you recognize how easily you may displease that people even in a slight fault. It is a city adorned with a multitude of citizens, abounding in the delights of sea and land, so that you may judge that you have found there a most sweet life, if you mingle yourself with no bitterness. Your offices fill your governor's residence, a throng of soldiers stands guard. You sit upon a festive tribunal: but you endure as many witnesses as the throngs you recognize to surround you. [4] Moreover, by command given, you guard the shores up to the appointed place. Foreign trade obeys your will. You give to buyers from your own price, and what the eager merchant acquires accrues to your favor. But amid these splendid eminences it is fitting to be an excellent judge, since he cannot conceal himself who is known to dwell among crowded peoples. Your deed will be the talk of the city, while that which has chanced to be done by a judge is carried about through the mouths of the people. [5] The multitude of men has its own vengeance, if it speaks against you, and that is believed to be a judgment about the judge which is voiced abroad by many corroborations. On the contrary, what is better than to look upon that people grateful, over whom you are known to preside? How fine it is to enjoy the favor of the many, and to receive those acclamations which it delights even merciful lords to hear! We give you the means of advancement: it is yours so to act that your good services may delight the sovereign to increase.

XXIII. FORMULA COMITIVAE NEAPOLITANAE. [1] Inter cetera vetustatis inventa et ordinatarum rerum obstupenda praeconia hoc cunctis laudibus meretur efferri, quod diversarum civitatum decora facies aptis amministrationibus videtur ornari, ut et conventus nobilium occursione celebri colligatur et causarum nodi iuris disceptatione solvantur. unde nos quoque non minorem gloriam habere cognoscimus, qui facta veterum annuis sollemnitatibus innovamus. nam quid prodesset inventum, si non fuisset iugiter custoditum? [2] Exeunt a nobis dignitates relucentes quasi a sole radii, ut in orbis nostri parte resplendeat custodita iustitia. ideo enim tot emolumentorum commoda serimus, ut securitatem provincialium colligamus. messis nostra cunctorum quies est, quam non possumus aliter recordari, nisi ut subiecti non videantur aliquid irrationabiliter perdidisse. [3] Et ideo ad comitivam te Neapolitanam per illam indictionem libenter adducimus, ut civilia negotia aequus trutinator examines tantumque famam tuam habita maturitate custodias, quantum te illi populo vel in levi culpa facile displicere cognoscas. urbs ornata multitudine civium, abundans marinis terrenisque deliciis, ut dulcissimam vitam te ibidem invenisse diiudices, si nullis amaritudinibus miscearis. praetoria tua officia replent, militum turba custodit. considis geniatum tribunal: sed tot testes pateris quot te agmina circumdare cognoscis. [4] Praeterea litora usque ad praefinitum locum data iussione custodis. tuae voluntati parent peregrina commercia. praestas ementibus de pretio suo et gratiae tuae proficit quod avidus mercator adquirit. sed inter haec praeclara fastigia optimum esse iudicem decet, quando se non potest occulere, qui inter frequentes populos cognoscitur habitare. factum tuum erit sermo civitatis, dam per ora fertur populi, quod a iudice contigerit actitari. [5] Habet ultionem suam hominum frequentia, si loquatur adversa, et de iudice iudicium esse creditur, quod multis adstipulationibus personatur. contra quid melius quam illum populum gratum respicere, cui cognosceris praesidere? quale est perfrui favore multorum et illas voces accipere, quas et clementes dominos delectat audire! nos tibi proficiendi materiam damus: tuum est sic agere, ut sua beneficia principem delectet augere.