Letter 10021: You must appreciate, wisest of Augustas, how eagerly I wish to seek your favor — which my lord husband also desires...

21. Queen Gudeliva to the Empress Theodora. [1] It befits you to estimate, most prudent of Augustae, with how great efforts I desire to seek your favor, which my lord and husband also longs with great zeal to obtain. For although this is in every way dear to him, to me nevertheless it is known to be of foremost importance, since the love of so great a lady can so exalt me that I am known to find something greater above a kingdom. For what is more pleasing than if I should seem to be joined to your glory by a sharing of affection, so that, because you shine in abundance, you may willingly lend to us from your own splendor, since it is no loss for a light to bestow upon another from its own brightness? Cherish our desires, which you know to be of outstanding sincerity. May your favor commend us throughout all the kingdoms. For you ought to render us illustrious, we who wish to shine from your light. [2] Wherefore, imparting to your Serenity the reverence of a greeting, I commend myself with affectionate presumption to your spirit, hoping that your wondrous prudence may so arrange all things that the trust which has been given to us concerning your disposition may be more abundantly increased. For although it is fitting that there be no discord among the Roman kingdoms, there has nevertheless arisen also a matter of such a kind as ought to make us dearer to your equity.

XXI. THEODORAE AUGUSTAE GUDELIVA REGINA. [1] Aestimare te convenit, Augustarum prudentissima, quantis cupiam nisibus gratiam vestram quaerere, quam etiam domnus iugalis meus magno studio desiderat optinere. nam licet hoc illi sit omnimodis carum, mihi tamen cognoscitur esse praecipuum, quando me tantae dominae ita potest amor erigere, ut supra regnum cognoscar maius aliquod invenire. quid enim gratius quam si gloriae vestrae videar caritatis participatione sociari, ut quia vos abunde fulgetis, nobis libenter de proprio splendore mutuemini, cum damnum non est lumini alteri de sua claritate largiri? fovete desideria nostra, quae cognoscitis sinceritate praecipua. gratia vestra per omnia nos regna commendet. debetis enim nos claros reddere, qui de vestra volumus luce fulgere. [2] Quapropter serenitati vestrae reverentiam salutationis inpertiens affectuosa me animis vestris praesumptione commendo, sperans, ut sic omnia mirabilis prudentia vestra componat, quatenus fiducia, quae nobis de animo vestro data est, uberius augeatur. nam cum nullam inter Romana regna deceat esse discordiam, emersit tamen et qualitas rei, quae nos efficere cariores vestrae debeat aequitati.