Letter 4009: King Theodoric to Osuin, Vir Illustris [Most Illustrious], Count.

9. King Theodoric to Osuin [Oswin], Most Illustrious Count. [1] It is a profession of innocence to have chosen our presence, where no place is given to violence and the vices of avarice are not to be dreaded. Maurentius and Paula, stripped of their father's protection, attest that they are exposed to the wrongs of many; for their youth seems open to harms, since deceit can easily creep up even upon young people who have been left without support. And therefore they deserve our protection, those from whom the cunning of the wicked does not refrain itself. Accordingly, let your Sublimity, taking note of the tenor of the present command, know that the aforesaid young people, if anyone among the quarrelsome should prefer to assail them, are to be directed to our retinue, where innocence may find a refuge and slanderers may meet with strict justice.

VIIII. OSVIN V. I. COMITI THEODERICUS REX. [1] Innocentiae professio est nostram elegisse praesentiam, ubi nec violentiae locus datur nec avaritiae vitia formidantur. Maurentius atque Paula patris auxilio nudati multorum se iniuriis testantur exponi: quorum adulescentia pervia videtur incommodis, cum facile possit subrepi vel iuvenibus destitutis. et ideo nostrum merentur praesidium, a quibus se calliditas non abstinet improborum. proinde sublimitas vestra tenorem praesentis iussionis agnoscens supra memoratos adultos, si quis iurgantium pulsare maluerit, ad nostrum comitatum noverit dirigendos, ubi et innocentia perfugium et calumniatores ius possint invenire districtum.