Letter 10025: Through the venerable priest Heracleanus, an imperial letter from Your Serenity has illuminated us, generously...

XXV. KING THEODAHAD TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN. [1] Through the venerable man Heraclianus the presbyter, the august page of your serenity has shone upon us, kindly granting us the grace of your discourse and fittingly imparting the gifts of your greeting, so that it is in truth a great benefit to have deserved so sweet a conversation with the prince. To this we render an answer with as much affection as we are able, wishing both that it may often fall to us to hear of your well-being and that the felicity of your reign may ever increase, since it befits us to hold such a prayer as may continually extend your glory and your safety. [2] We also signify that, in accordance with your wish, we have dispatched a letter to the pope of the city of Rome, that he may answer the bearer of the present letter without any delay, so that he who has deserved to be sent by you may obtain the favor of swiftness. For it belongs to our desire that occasions should arise in which we may be able to obey your wishes, since we effectually urge you to render love in return if we comply with you in some measure.

XXV. IUSTINIANO IMPERATORI THEODAHADUS REX. [1] Per venerabilem virum Heracleanum presbyterum Augusta nobis pagina vestrae serenitatis illuxit, gratiam sermonis benigne tribuens et apte munera salutationis inpertiens, ut re vera magnum sit beneficium tam suave principis meruisse colloquium. cui reddimus quanta valemus caritate responsum, optantes ut et sospitatem vestram saepius nos audire contingat et regni vestri felicitas semper accrescat, quia tale votum nos decet habere, quod gloriam salutemque vestram iugiter possit extendere. [2] Significamus etiam pro vestro voto ad papam urbis Romae nos litteras destinasse, ut praesentium gerulo litterarum sine aliqua dilatione respondeat, quatenus qui a vobis dirigi meruit, celeritatis gratiam consequatur. nostri enim voti est causas emergere, in quibus possimus vestris desideriis oboedire, quia sic vos ad reddendam dilectionem efficaciter commonemus, si vobis in aliqua parte pareamus.