Letter 7009: VARIAE, BOOK 7, LETTER 9

9. FORMULA FOR THE COUNTSHIP OF THE PORT OF THE CITY OF ROME. [1] It is a service more pleasant than laborious to hold the dignity of the countship at the Port of Rome. For there an abundant arrival of ships is watched for; there the sail-bearing sea sends across foreign peoples together with the diverse merchandise of the provinces, and amid so many spectacles of pleasant things it is to your advantage that those who come have escaped their peril. At this gateway first the delights of Rome are felt, and upon the Tiberine waves, as if through a channel, those goods make their way which ascend to the markets of the city. [2] Well-devised is this dignity, which is seen to adorn the supplies of Rome. For what could be carried out more elegantly than that whereby that people is proven to be satisfied? O the inventions of our forefathers! O the refined contrivances of the prudent! that, since Rome seemed to be situated rather far from the shore, she might begin to be more truly there, where she would possess a fitting entrance for ships. For indeed the two channels of the Tiberine course received most adorned cities, like two eyes, lest that which supplied the expenses of so great a city should be without its grace. A surpassing matter, therefore, is committed to you, if it be carried out with moderation. [3] You create abundance, so long as you treat those who enter with justice. A greedy hand closes the port, and when it draws in its fingers, it likewise furls the sails of the ships. For deservedly do all merchants flee that port which they recognize to be costly to themselves. Wherefore the contrary wind there is immoderate presumption: for he condemns a calm sea who heaps up the waves of greed. Let each one, admonished according to custom, offer a voluntary gift. For these are gifts of hospitality, not debts. He receives from few who seeks too much; and he himself nourishes for himself the rewards of life who shows moderation in what is offered. [4] Let it therefore be your especial care not only to abstain yourself, but also to restrain the hands of those who would presume, since it is no light thing to transgress amid that plenty which it befits all men unceasingly to desire. Wherefore, for that indiction, we adorn you with the honor of the countship of the Port, so that, just as the dignity administers sweet delights to you, so you too may leave behind a praiseworthy reputation for the honor.

VIIII. FORMULA COMITIVAE PORTUS URBIS ROMAE. [1] Deliciosa magis quam laboriosa militia est in Portu Romano comitivae gerere dignitatem. illic enim copiosus navium prospectatur adventus: illic veligerum mare peregrinos populos cum diversa provinciarum merce transmittit et inter tot spectacula dulcium rerum commodum tuum est venientes evasisse periculum. his primum faucibus Romanae deliciae sentiuntur et undis Tiberinis quasi per alvum vadunt quae ad commercia civitatis ascendunt. [2] Bene inventa dignitas, quae copias videtur ornare Romanas. nam quid elegantius potest agi quam unde probatur populus ille satiari? o inventa maiorum! o exquisita prudentium! ut quia longius a litore Roma videbatur posita, inde magis esse inciperet, ubi decorum ingressum navium possideret. duo quippe Tiberini alvei meatus ornatissimas civitates tamquam duo lumina susceperunt, ne vacaret a gratia quod tantae urbi ministrabat expensas. eximia ergo res tibi committitur, si moderate peragatur. [3] Tu copiam facis, dum ingredientes iuste tractaveris. avara manus portum claudit et cum digitos attrahit, navium simul vela concludit. merito enim illa mercatores cuncti refugiunt, quae sibi dispendiosa esse cognoscunt. quapropter adversus ibi ventus est immoderata praesumptio: nam placidum mare damnat, qui undas cupiditatis exaggerat. unusquisque pro sollemnitate commonitus offerat voluntarium munus. Xenia sunt enim ista, non debita. a paucis accipit qui nimium quaerit: et sibi ipse nutrit vitae munera, qui moderatur oblata. [4] Sit tibi ergo cura praecipua non solum te abstinere, verum etiam cohibere praesumentium manus, quia non est leve in illa ubertate delinquere, quam decet cunctos indesinenter optare. quocirca per indictionem illam comitivae Portus te honore decoramus, ut sicut tibi dignitas dulces delicias amministrat, ita et tu honori opinionem laudabilem derelinquas.