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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780520389700 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | University of California Press |
| Publication date: | 02/15/2022 |
| Edition description: | First Edition |
| Pages: | 530 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d) |
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CHAPTER 1
Book 1
PREFACE (C. 538–54)
Cassiodorus's preface to the Variae in Book 1 is unique in ancient and late-antique epistolary collections. The topics treated, particularly concerning rhetoric and public life, parallel his preface at the beginning of Book 11. Written as Cassiodorus's recollection of a discussion held with certain learned individuals (diserti), the preface provides a glimpse of his former service to the Gothic Amals, in addition to an explanation for his decision to compile the Variae in spite of the potential censure of his readers. The very fact that Cassiodorus would explain his collection to an audience speaks to some of its novelties.
Preface to the Variae
1. Although I have garnered the favor of the learned, either owing to shared conversation or to genuine kindness, but certainly not owing to any real merit, they nonetheless prevailed upon me to gather into one collection these words of mine which I had often supplied in offices for explicating the nature of public affairs, so that the coming generation might esteem both the disinterested deeds of a clear conscience and the burden of my duties, which I had endured for the sake of common advantage. 2. I said that their esteem would in fact be injurious to me, since that manner deemed acceptable on behalf of the entreaties of petitioners afterward may seem foolish to readers. I added that they ought to reflect upon the words of Flaccus, who advises what danger hasty speech might incur. 3. You see that everyone expects promptness in responding, and do you believe I would publish something that must be regretted? Speech that is either unaccompanied by meaning chosen through deliberation or that is unfolded with the least appropriate selection of words is always uncouth. The ability to speak is granted to all: only he is distinguished who discerns unlearned speech. 4. Nine years are allowed to authors for writing; for me, not even a span of hours is allowed. As soon as I have begun, the writing is harried by outcries and driven by excessive haste, no undertaking is carried out with care. One man taxes me with the frequency of his petty interruptions, another fetters me with the load of his miseries, others circle round with the raving contention of their disputes. 5. Amid all this, why do you demand the eloquence of formal composition, where I am hardly able to hold a full conversation? Impracticable cares fill even my nights, lest cities lack their food supply, which the people demand above all else, favoring their bellies, not their ears. Hence it is that I am forced by resolve to go through every province and constantly investigate my commands, because it is not enough to command civil servants to perform their duties, unless the constant presence of the magistrate should seem to demand it. I beg you not to show your esteem for me by wishing for such an injurious undertaking. An exhortation that holds more peril than appeal ought to be declined. 6. But instead these colleagues were wearying me with arguments such as: "Everyone knows that you hold the rank of Praefectus Praetorio, for whom the preoccupations of public office always attend as though servants. For indeed, from this office are required military expenses; from it, the food supply of the people is demanded without consideration for the season; to which is added the onus of judging legal cases, itself alone a burdensome duty; for which reason the very laws seem to impose an immense burden, since almost every case prefers to affix the distinction of a high office to the judgment. For what leisure are you able to steal away from public duties, when whatever is required for the utility of the common good combines in one breast? 7. It is added, moreover, that as Quaestor, demands repeated with oppressive frequency often deprive time for leisure, and the Principes seem to set upon you those affairs from other offices which their own magistrates are unable to unravel, as though you were wrestling with an ordinary burden. However, you accomplish these things, not by selling your services, but in the example of your own father, you accept from hopeful petitioners only toil. Thus, by offering everything to petitioners freely, you traffic everything with the gift of moderation. 8. And even the illustrious official correspondence of kings is known to occupy you for the greater part of the day on behalf of the public good, so that you are known to sustain by continuous labor what would be distasteful to expect from those inclined to leisure. But this is more likely to ensure for you a vote of praise, if under such disparate circumstances you could succeed in producing something worth reading. Then will your work be capable of educating, without offense and by means of studied eloquence, those unlearned men who must be prepared for public office, and it will happen that those who are situated in more tranquil circumstances will more happily obtain the habit that you practiced while tossed about amid the dangers of various altercations. 9. Consequently, because you are unable to conceal in good faith such kindnesses as you have enjoyed from kings, you would prefer, in vain rather, that they should be attributed to indulgent haste, if you permit them to be ignored. We entreat you not to allow that those who deserved to receive illustrious honors by your endorsement should be recalled to the obscurity of silence. Indeed, you have undertaken to render them with true praise and to tincture them in some measure with the color of history. If you would pass on to the following generation a record of those who must be honored, after the custom of our ancestors, you will have fittingly preserved those perishing from oblivion. 10. Furthermore, you set straight perverse practices with the authority of a king, you shatter the impudence of the transgressor, and you restore respect for the law. And for how long do you hesitate to publish what you rightly deem suited to such use? Moreover, you conceal, I would say, the image of your mind, where each age to come would be able to admire you. Indeed, it often happens that the father begets a son different from himself, while it is scarcely possible that speech is found inconsistent with character. Therefore such an offspring is plainly a more reliable witness, for what is born from the secret of a man's breast is considered a more truthful representation of its source. 11. You have also recited orations to kings and queens, frequently to the applause of all; you have composed a history of the Goths in twelve books, selecting from the record of their prosperity. Since the outcome of these pursuits was favorable for you, why do you hesitate to give this to the public also, you who are already known to be successful in reciting less mature works?" 12. I admit that I am defeated, to my own shame. I was unable to resist so much wise reasoning, when I saw myself reproved out of affection. Now forgive me, readers, and if there be some careless opinion, lay the blame more on those urging me, since my decision clearly depends upon those who failed to censure me. 13. And therefore, what I was able to recover, being written by me in various public vocations as Quaestor, Magister Officiorum, and Praefectus Praetorio, I have compiled in an arrangement of twelve books, so that, although the attention of the reader is hastened along by the diversity of subject matter, nevertheless, the mind is held more securely when it reaches the end. 14. But I have not been content to permit others to endure what I often experienced in bestowing offices; that is, speeches written hastily and without polish, which were demanded so suddenly that it seemed hardly possible to write. And thus, I have included formulae for all the official posts in the sixth and seventh books, so that however late I might take care for my own reputation, I may assist my successors in the near future. Thus what I have said concerning past offices applies to future ones, since I have described the suitability, not of the persons, but of the offices that they were deemed fit to hold. 15. I have disclosed the title of the books accurately, with the name Variae as an indication of endeavor, a precursor for the contents, and a condensed name for the entire composition, since it was necessary for me to employ not one style of writing where I undertook to instruct a variety of people. For a topic is treated in one way for those glutted with much reading, in another way for those sustained by a moderate appetite, and in another way for those persuaded by a meager flavor of literature, such that they would avoid the kind of style that pleases learned men. 16. Consequently, it is thus fitting to mention the admirable manner prescribed by the ancients, so that you would be able to satisfy the audience with desires already held. For not without reason did ancient wisdom determine three styles of discourse: the humble, which seems to lumber, after the habit of common speech; the moderate, in which expression neither swells itself in greatness nor diminishes in poverty, but remains between both, enriched by a suitable loveliness but contained within its own bounds. The third manner is that which is elevated to the highest peak of oratory by carefully crafted sentiments. Clearly, as the diversity of audience determines the appropriate expression and, granted that it flows forth from one breast, it nonetheless emanates from diverse channels. No one obtains the distinction of eloquence, except one who is girded with these three styles and vigorously prepared for all manner of circumstances that may rise. 17. Thus it happens that I am seen to speak at times in a manner for kings, at times in a manner before a council of magistrates, and at times before the common people, for some of whom it sufficed to pour forth words in haste, while for others it was permitted to employ language with forethought, so that what was composed in such a diversity would merit being called Variae. Would that, even as I have deemed to take such usage from ancient precepts, thus would they transfer the same merits to the promised composition. 18. Wherefore, I promise to render the humble style modestly and the mediocre style not brazenly. But the lofty style, because it is reserved for elevated composition, I do not believe myself to have attained. But rather, since I am to be read, let indecorous presumptions abide in silence. For it would be inappropriate for me to conduct a discourse concerning myself, a discussion that I would better sustain according to your judgment.
LETTER 1.1 (C. 508)
Theoderic greets the eastern emperor Anastasius with a request for peace. Mention of previous hostilities, perhaps a reference to Amal annexation of Sirmium in Pannonia (504–5) and eastern reprisals along the Italian coast, provide a context for the elaboration of a political ideal envisioning two Roman republics, eastern and western, with Italy genuflecting to Constantinople. Theoderic's characterization of other former western Roman regions as "barbarian" kingdoms is also worthy of attention.
King Theoderic to Imperator Anastasius
1. It is fitting for us, most clement Imperator, to seek peace, we who are known to have no reason for wrath: any time someone is perceived to be ill-equipped for just things, that man is already considered at fault. Indeed, tranquility ought to be desired in every regnum, where the people profit and the weal of nations is preserved. For peace is the graceful mother of good arts: she increases resources, multiplying humanity in renewed generations, and she cultivates proper habits. Even one who is considered ignorant of such great matters knows at least to pursue peace. 2. And therefore, most dutiful of Principes, it is becoming to your power and dignity that we ought to strive for harmony with you, the means by which we have thus far increased in love. For you are the most sublime dignity of every regnum, you the beneficent defender of the whole world, whom other rulers rightly admire, since they recognize something special to dwell in you. We especially know this, who by divine providence have learned in your republic by what manner we are able to govern Romans equitably. 3. Our government is an imitation of yours, the exemplary form of the only good imperium set on display: however much we follow you, so much do we surpass other nations. Often you have encouraged me to esteem the Senate, to embrace gladly the laws of Principes, so that I might unite all parts of Italy. In what way would you be able to separate from imperial peace one whom you have not allowed to disagree with your own habits? Additionally, there is affection for the city of Rome which must be respected, from which those people who have conjoined themselves in the solidarity of its name cannot be separated. 4. Consequently, we have determined that ille and ille must be appointed to your most sublime piety in the capacity of envoys, so that the integrity of peace, which is known to have been spoiled by causes now becoming evident, may endure thereafter firmly restored with grounds for dispute erased. For we do not believe you will suffer any discord to persist between both republics, which had always been proclaimed to be a single entity under ancient Principes.5. It is not only fitting that these republics be conjoined one to the other with easy affection, but also it is seemly to be supported with shared strength. Let there always be one will, one mind in the Roman regnum. And however we are able, may it attain your commendation. 6. On which account, offering the dignity of a greeting, we ask with humble intention that you not suspend the ennobling affection of your good will, for which we ought to hope, even if it would not seem possible to grant to others. We have committed other matters to the bearers of this letter which must be brought to the attention of your piety by spoken word, as it could not be rendered more expansively in epistolary speech, nor would we be seen to have overlooked anything to our advantage.
LETTER 1.2 (C. 507–11)
A directive seeking to redress the delayed shipment of costly royal garments dyed with the purpura of harvested shellfish (specifically a kind of murex). The recipient is otherwise unknown, although his senatorial rank as spectabilis suggests a notable from Calabria holding a monopoly on shipments of royal vestments from workshops in Hydruntum (modern Otranto). Of interest is the elaborate natural history provided for purpura production and its relation to imperial authority, which frames a notable contrast to the deference given eastern authority in Var. 1.1.
King Theoderic to Theon, Vir Spectabilis
1. We have learned through the report of the Comes Stephanus that the production of royal vestments, which we wanted to be completed with necessary haste, has been suspended instead by disrupted labor: for which, by detracting from recurring practice, you will become aware that neglect brings what instead must be avoided. For we believe that someone has caused this neglect, for either those milky fibers, having been steeped at least two or three times in the fleshy draughts, would glow in the lovely saturation, or the wool will not have absorbed the costly substance of the prized murex. 2. For if the huntsman of the sea, at Hydron, had stored the purple dye with careful consideration in the proper time, that harvest of Neptune, the begetter of an ever-purple bloom, the raiment of regal power, having been steeped in plenty of water, would have released a princely rain of fiery liquid. The pigment abounds with exceeding pleasantness, a darkness blushing red, it distinguishes the one ruling with ensanguined blackness; it makes the master conspicuous and demonstrates this to humanity, lest it should be possible to mistake the Princeps on sight. 3. It is amazing that this substance exudes a bloody matter made from its own death after such a long period of time, because it is accustomed to flow from wounds in living bodies. For, when the substance has been separated from the vital strength of its preferred sea for even six months, it fails to disturb perceptive noses, and naturally, lest noble blood should breath something repulsive. As soon as this substance adheres, I know not how it is able to be removed without destroying the garment. 4. But if the quality of the shellfish is constant, if there is a vintage from its press, the blame will undoubtedly lie with the workers, from whom the supply has not arrived. However, when a skilled worker tinctures
white strands of silk in those reddened fonts, it ought to have the most faultless purity of body, since the inner nature of such a substance is said to flee from pollution. 5. If all of these conditions remain unaltered, if regular practice is overlooked in no way, I marvel that you recognize your own peril less, when it would be sacrilegious to stand accused of negligence and to sin against such vestments. For what have so many workers to do, so many crowds of sailors, so many troops of rustics? You who also command so many for transport to the comes, defend yourself with the presumption of the very title, so that, while you are believed to conduct royal business, you are seen to command your citizens in many affairs. 6. Therefore, your inactivity both neglects that for which you were commissioned in the province and has managed to come to the noble attention of the Princeps. But if anxiety has not thus far deprived you of your ability to act, since the outcome touches upon your health, make ready to come with haste before the appointed day, to bring yourself with the purple, which you have been accustomed to deliver to our chamber each year. For now we send to you, not a supervisor, but one to exact punishment, if you should believe this a matter worth delaying in mockery. 7. Indeed it is read how the substance was discovered with such ease and short work! When a dog, excited with hunger, crushed in his jaws the shellfish cast upon the Tyrian shore, naturally his mouth overflowing with the ensanguined moisture was stained with the wondrous pigment. And so it is that the occasion led men to an unexpected skill and those following this example made the substance to give Principes an honored distinction which is known to have a humble source. Hydruntum is for Italy what Tyre is for the East: producing royal wardrobe not only preserves ancient rule, but continually supplies the new. Therefore beware, if you suffer to accomplish anything less than what you know us to expect as necessary.
(Continues…)
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