As We have made suitable provision with reference to other matters, We have thought it advisable to pay attention to Our referendaries, and especially because they are extremely useful to Us. These officials were not numerous in the first place, but We have appointed more than formerly existed, in order that We might be of assistance to many of Our subjects, who, through them, address petitions to Us.
  (1) But on account of the multitude of petitions presented to Us, certain persons have requested an increase of the number of referendarii, and have not desisted until We have raised it to fourteen. Having, from time to time, been influenced by these applications, a great number of referendarii have been appointed, and now, being apprehensive that the honor of the position may be diminished, We think that the number should be reduced; but it is not Our intention to deprive those at present in office of their employment (which would be an act unworthy of Imperial Majesty), but We shall make no further appointments, not even of persons who are agreeable to Us, and faithfully discharge the duties required of them; and We shall retain the present referendarii in office, until their number is reduced to eight, which number shall always remain the same hereafter, and shall not be increased for any reason at any time; these officials being exhorted to make up for the deficiency by the exercise of their diligence and zeal in the service of Us and Our Empire. Nor shall anyone hereafter demand that this number be increased, for an application of this kind will not only not be entertained, but he who presents it shall be subjected to a fine of ten pounds of gold, and also be deprived of his office. We desire that the referendarii restricted to the number aforesaid shall be endowed with justice and all other virtues, and be prepared for any emergency. We are satisfied that nothing honorable can be accomplished by a great multitude, because among so many few will be found who live in consonance with the rules of justice. Hence the number of referendarii shall, in accordance with what We have previously stated, be limited to the number aforesaid.

  Your Eminence, having been informed of these matters, must see that what has been decreed by Us is at no time disobeyed, and that those who violate this law shall pay the penalty prescribed by it, without being allowed to ask that it be remitted, nor shall this be done. This law of Ours, while reducing the number of referendarii, affords an opportunity for the practice of virtue, which never occurs in a numerous body of officials, and especially among those whose duty it is to report to Us the requests contained in the petitions of Our subjects, whose morals, indeed, may be good, but who, like their fathers, have passed their lives in petitioning Us for relief. Your Eminence will exert yourself to carry into effect the measures which We have decreed and promulgated in this Imperial law.