fear, however irrational, is felt in the
presence of the Judge; but as far as my purpose can avail, with the
help of God and the rulers of the State[748], I can promise you that
all things shall be done with justice and moderation.

[Footnote 748: 'Juvante Deo, rerumque Dominis regnantibus.']

'Venality, that greatest stain upon a Judge's character, will be
unknown in me; for I should think scorn to sell the words that go out
of my lips, like clothes in the market-place.

'In exercising the right of pre-emption we shall be solely guided by
the wants of the State, buying nothing at a forced price in order to
sell it again[749].

[Footnote 749: 'Sperari a vobis aliquid sola specierum indigentia
faciet, non malitiosa venalitas ... nec ad taxationem trahimus quae
necessaria non habentur.']

'Be cheerful and of good courage, therefore, with reference to the new
administration. No soldier or civil servant shall harass you for his
own pleasure. No tax-collector shall load you with burdens of his own
imposition. We are determined to keep not only our own hands clean,
but also those of our officials. Otherwise, vainly does a good Judge
guard himself from receiving money, if he leaves to the many under him
licence to receive it on their own account. But we, both by precept
and example, show that we aim at the public good, not at private and
fraudulent gains.

'We know what prayers you put up for us, how anxiously you watched for
our elevation, and we are determined that you shall not be
disappointed. Our Praetorium, which no base action has ever denied,
shall be open to all. No servile throng shall lord it over you. You
shall come straight to us, making your requests known to us through no
hired interpreter, and none shall leave our presence poorer than he
entered it. With God's help we trust we shall so act as to conform to
the instructions which we have received from our Sovereign[750]; and
we trust that you, by your loyalty, will enable us to be rather the
Father of our Provinces than their Judge. You have patiently obeyed
governors who fleeced you; how much more ought you to obey one who, as
you know, loves you mightily! Pay the regular fees to the officials
who are labouring in your midst; for there is no such excuse for
high-handed oppression as the fact that a man is not receiving his
covenanted salary. Obey the rule of reason, and you will not have to
fear the armed man's wrath.

[Footnote 750: 'Quemadmodum a rer