[Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator, “Variae”, lib. I, ep. 37, 537-540 AD.]
Written by Cassiodorus in the name of King Theodoric to Crispianus.
Murder is abominable, but it is right to take into account the circumstances which may have provoked to homicide. If the slain man was trying to violate the rights of wedlock, his blood be on his own head. For even brute beasts vindicate their conjugal rights by force: how much more man, who is so deeply dishonoured by the adulterer!
Therefore, if it be true that the man whom you slew had wronged you as a husband, we do not agree to the punishment of exile which has been inflicted upon you. Nor will we uphold the action of the Vicarius or of his Officium, who, as you say, have impounded the money paid by your fidei-jussor (guarantor) Agnellus. Also, we will protect you against the hostile assaults of Candax in future. But your allegation as to the provocation must be fully established by legal process.
