Letter 10002: KING THEODAHAD TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN

II. King Theodahad to the Emperor Justinian. [1] It is the custom of new kings to announce the joys of their advancement throughout the various nations, that they may win the affection of a foreign sovereign by that very fellowship of ruling. To us, most pious Emperor, the divine powers have granted something far better in doing this, since I seek your favor in confidence, knowing that my most excellent lady and sister has made a compact with you. [2] For it is most certain that I in no way depart from her judgment, she who shines with so great a light of wisdom that she both orders her own kingdoms with a marvelous arrangement and guards the favor promised to all with sturdy firmness. For this reason she has made me a partner in her cares, so that I too might desire to hold those as worthy of reverence whom she has herself made peaceable toward her, judging in the manner of her own prudence that she should choose the friendships of such men as would have nothing like them in all the world. [3] Nor indeed is this affection a new thing: for if you call to mind the deeds of your predecessors, you will recognize that there is a certain law of custom that the Amals have always kept friendship with that empire; a friendship as much more sure as it is more ancient, since what is preserved through long ages cannot easily be changed. Receive therefore with affectionate minds both our first beginnings, and favor the judgment of our lady and sister, to whom you are singularly devoted. For if you love me likewise, you in a manner make me a king alike with her. [4] But since the longings of this new state demand that we speak at greater length, and a letter's discourse does not permit the telling of more, therefore, the honor of greeting having been duly completed as befits such great merits, we have entrusted to these legates who bear this letter certain things to be made known to your piety, since no one handles matters more usefully than he who resolves to commit his own wishes to your gentleness.

II. IUSTINIANO IMPERATORI THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Novis regibus mos est per diversas gentes provectus sui gaudia nuntiare, ut adquirant affectum principis externi de ipsa communione regnandi. quod facienti mihi, piissime imperator, multo melius divina tribuerunt, quando vestram gratiam securus expeto, quam praecellentissimam domnam sororem meam vobiscum, pepigisse cognosco. [2] Ab eius enim iudicio me nullatenus deviare certissimum est, quae tanta sapientiae luce resplendet, ut et propria regna mirabili dispositione componat et promissam cunctis gratiam robusta firmitate custodiat. ideo enim me curarum suarum fecit esse socium, quatenus et ego illos desiderem habere reverendos, quos sibi ipsa fecit esse pacificos, prudentiae suae more diiudicans, ut talium amicitias eligeret, qui in toto orbe simile nil haberent. [3] Neque enim nova est ista dilectio: nam si decessorum vestrorum facta recolatis, agnoscitis quandam esse consuetudinis legem cum illo imperio amicitiam Hamalos semper habuisse. quae tantum certior quantum vetustior, quia facile mutari non potest quod per longa saecula custoditur. suscipite itaque affectiosis mentibus et nostra primordia et domnae sororis nostrae, cui singulariter studetis, favete iudicio. nam si me similiter diligitis, regem quodammodo pariter efficitis. [4] Sed quoniam nos amplius loqui desideria novitatis exposcunt et litterarius sermo narrare plura non patitur, ideo tantis meritis, sicut dignum est, salutationis honore completo, harum portitoribus legatis nostris aliqua pietati vestrae delegavimus intimanda, quia nemo utilius tractat quam qui vestrae mansuetudini committere sua vota deliberat.