The Variae by Cassiodorus

Author:Cassiodorus
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780520297364
Publisher: University of California Press

LETTER 6.22

This formula appoints a comes to act as senior magistrate (praesul) for the city of Syracuse. The tenor of the letter suggests this comes was expected to operate with much personal discretion, given the distance from Ravenna. It was also clearly a military appointment, for which the necessary discipline of soldiers is emphasized. For a similar appointment, see Variae 3.23–24, 3.34, 4.16.

Formula for the Comes of Syracuse

1. It is the providence of a king to select men of such standing to be magistrates as would have no need for coming to our court, whose interest it would be to remain in distant regions. For there is no public business that could bear such travel expenses from Sicily, when it would be more advantageous to lose the case than to have won anything through such cost. For we do not want complaints to come from Sicily, but rather praise, since the conduct of a leading magistrate weighs upon us, if petitions can accuse him from such a distance. For a grievance is not believed to be false, when the exertions of such a voyage are undergone. And for that reason, affairs must be conducted with greater care, whence ill will is feared more. 2. Thence, with the blessing of divine authority, we appoint you comes of Syracuse for the present indiction, so that you may thus strive to accomplish all things in such a way that we would recognize you to have been successful. We support the pleas of cases from nearby areas; but we also look beyond, to where we feel it would be difficult to reach us. You have what ought to distinguish you, if you arrive there purified with good conscience. 3. Numerous soldiers attend you at our expense. You will be received as a jovial man among arms; your procession is furnished as though girt for battle. Use the army for peace, nor do you undertake the dangers of war so that you may be embellished by their trophies. But among these duties be mindful of civil order. You may not permit the soldiers to be abusive to landowners. Let them enjoy their own annona with moderation; they may not become involved in unrelated legal conflicts.33 May one who is glorified by arms know that he has been chosen for the security of all. We want neither that the privileges of your office should be diminished, nor do we grant them to be exceeded. Let it suffice for you to manage as much as your predecessors had been able to reasonably accomplish.

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