182. Form for Commendation. Middle of Eighth Century.
Formulæ Turonenses, no. 43; p. 158.
Notice the reason given by the person who commends himself, the effects of commendation on both parties, and the binding nature of the agreement. The reason alleged (extreme poverty) is probably a mere form of speech, and was not present in each actual instance of commendation.
To my great lord, (name), I, (name). Since, as was well known, I had not wherewith to feed and clothe myself, I came to you and told you my wish, to commend myself to you and to put myself under your protection. I have now done so, on the condition that you shall supply me with food and clothing as far as I shall merit by my services, and that as long as I live I shall perform such services for you as are becoming to a freeman, and shall never have the right to withdraw from your power and protection, but shall remain under them all the days of my life. It is agreed that if either of us shall try to break this compact he shall pay — solidi, and the compact shall still hold. It is also agreed that two copies of this letter shall be made and signed by us, which also has been done.
183. Form by which the King Allows a Powerful Person to Undertake the Cases of a Poor Person.