Letter 5013: King Theodoric to Eutropius and Agroecus.

King Theodoric to Eutropius and Agroecus. You should devote your efforts to the state with a willing spirit, since you know we are generous to those who serve well. We promise a fair return, out of the spirit of mercy -- even though we command everything for your benefit. By this present order, we have seen fit to remind you that you must supply the designated provisions to the army -- so that neither are the troops neglected by ill will, nor are the provincials subjected to ruinous plundering. An army kept under the discipline of authorized expenditure is easier to manage than one permitted to ravage at will. Lawlessness knows no limits, and restraint cannot be imposed on those who have been given license. Let the army therefore receive its assigned rations, so that no part of the country need suffer unjust hardship.

XIII. EUTROPIO ET AGROECIO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Studium vestrum rei publicae grata mente debetis impendere, quia nos agnovistis bene meritis multa praestare. nam pietatis intuitu vicissitudinem pollicemur, cum tamen pro vobis omnia iubeamus. atque ideo praesenti iussione vos credidimus ammonendos, ut annonas constitutas exercitui praebere debeatis, quatenus nec illi neglegantur adverso voto nec provinciales perniciosa debeat gravare direptio. Commodius enim sub expensarum lege tenetur exercitus, quam si cuncta fuerit vastare permissus. ignorat modum servare praesumptio nec potest sub modo redigi, cui licentia fuerit visa concedi. quapropter consequatur exercitus alimoniam deputatam, ne qua pars praedictam possit sustinere molestiam.