[PAULUS libro trigensimo secundo ad edictum. ] §17.1.1.prObligatio mandati consensu contrahentium consistit.
[PAULUS in the thirty-second book on the Edict.] The obligation of mandate is established by the consent of the contracting parties.
§17.1.1.1Ideo per nuntium quoque uel per epistulam mandatum suscipi potest.
Therefore, a mandate can also be undertaken through a messenger or by a letter.
§17.1.1.2Item siue 'rogo' siue 'uolo' siue 'mando' siue alio quocumque uerbo scripserit, mandati actio est.
Likewise, whether one has written "I request," "I wish," "I commission," or by any other word, there is an action of mandate.
§17.1.1.3Item mandatum et in diem differri et sub condicione contrahi potest.
Likewise, a mandate can both be deferred to a certain day and be contracted under a condition.
§17.1.1.4Mandatum nisi gratuitum nullum est: nam originem ex officio atque amicitia trahit, contrarium ergo est officio merces: interueniente enim pecunia res ad locationem et conductionem potius respicit.
A mandate is null unless it is gratuitous; for it derives its origin from duty and friendship; therefore, a reward is contrary to duty; for when money intervenes, the matter rather relates to letting and hiring.