20 To our Distinguished Lord, Most Excellent Master and Father, Emperor Justinian, from King Theudebert.

The anticipated arrival of Theodore transpired with that of Solomon who brought letters which we accepted with complete regard and allegiance of spirit which rejoices in the mercy of your dominion. Your charge assists us in extending the loving friendship of God to many races and in some provinces but now our enemies with the help of God have submitted to our authority. By the wish of the Lord, the Thuringians were controlled and their territories acquired, then in time their kings were abolished; next the North Sueves were subjugated, the Visigoths declared subdued and, by the grace of God, now Gaul is safe. As well, in the north region of Italy and then Pannonia the Saxons and Eucii delivered themselves to us by particular choice. Our rule extends from the Danube and the limits of Pannonia to the shores of the ocean through the protection of God. As confirmed by your letter, your August Highness, we are certain of the progress of the Catholics and rejoice in complete delight of spirit. For this reason, God granting your desires, longing in eager spirit we enjoin by plain proposition that your fame will endure and the friendship of former emperors is seen often in your assurance of kindness, therefore, let us join together for the common good.

DOMINO INLUSTRO ET PRAECELLENTISSIMO DOMNO ET PATRI,

IUSTINIANO IMPERATORE, THEODEBERTUS REX.

Theodorus vir expectabilis cum Solomonem pariter veniens,

litteras, quas imperii vestri dementia distinavit,

integra animi caritate et devotions suscepimus, quia, cum

de nobis curam geritis, sic latius per diversas gentes adque

provincias Dei amatam amicitiam propagamus. Id vero, quod

dignamini esse solliciti, in quibus provinciis habitemus aut

quae gentes nostrae sint, Deo adiutore, dicione subiecte:

Dei nostri miscericordiam feliciter subactis Thoringiis et

eorum provinciis adquisitis, extinctis ipsorum tunc tempore

regibus, Norsavorum itaque gentem nobis placata maiestate,

colla subdentibus edictis ideoque, Deo propitio, Wesigotis,

incolomes Franciae, septentrionalem plagam Italiaeque Pannoniae

cum Saxonibus, Euciis, qui se nobis voluntate prop,ria

tradiderunt, per Danubium et limitem Pannoniae usque in

oceanis litoribus custodiente Deo dominatio nostra porrigetur.

Et quia scimus, augustam celsitudinem vestram de

profectu cathalicorum, sicut etiam littere vestrae testantur,

plena animi iucunditate gaudere, ideo est. quod secun-

dum voluntatem vestram, quae Deus nobis concesserit, simplici

relatione mandamus, desiderantibus animis exoptantes, ut

felicibus gloria vestra ita valeat, ut antiquam retroactorum

principum amicitiam conservetisg et gratiam, quam sepius

promittitis, in communi utilitate iungamur. Explicit.