he Isonzo shall be enquired into; any which have happened
since, may.' But the letter is a very difficult one, and I am bound to
say that Dahn's interpretation ('Koenige der Germanen' iii. 11, 12)
does not agree with mine.]

19. KING THEODORIC TO SATURNINUS AND VERBUSIUS, VIRI SUBLIMES.

[Sidenote: The rights of the Fiscus.]

'The _Fiscus_ is to have its rights, but we do not wish to oppress our
people. Let moderation be observed in all things.

'When you receive the petition of the Curiales of Adriana, if anyone
who is able to pay, stubbornly and impudently refuses to contribute to
the _Fiscus Gothorum_, you are to compel him to do so. But let off the
really poor man who is unable to contribute.'

20. KING THEODORIC TO ALBINUS AND ALBIENUS, VIRI ILLUSTRES AND
PATRICIANS.

[Sidenote: Circus quarrels. Patronage of the Greens. Rivalry between
Helladius and Theodorus.]

'Notwithstanding our greater cares for the Republic, we are willing to
provide also for the amusement of our subjects. For it is the
strongest possible proof of the success of our labours that the
multitude knows itself to be again at leisure[230].

[Footnote 230: 'Illud enim, propitiante Deo, labores nostros asserit
quod se _otiosam_ generalitas esse cognoscit.']

'The petition of the Green party in the circus informs us that they
are oppressed, and that the factions of the circus are fatal to public
tranquillity. We therefore order you to assume the patronage of the
Green party, which our father of glorious memory paid for[231]. So
let the spectators be assembled, and let them choose between Helladius
and Theodorus which is fittest to be Pantomimist of the Greens, whose
salary we will pay.'

[Footnote 231: 'Quapropter illustris magnitudo vestra praesenti
jussione commonita, patrocinium partis Prasini, quod gloriosae
recordationis pater noster impendit, dignanter assumat.' This passage
probably alludes to Theodoric's adoption by Zeno. But one reading is
'pater _vester_.']

Then follows a digression on pantomimes.

21. KING THEODORIC TO MAXIMIAN, VIR ILLUSTRIS; AND ANDREAS, VIR
SPECTABILIS.

[Sidenote: Embellishment of Rome.]

'If the people of Rome will beautify their City we will help them.

'Institute a strict audit (of which no one need be ashamed) of the
money given by us to the different workmen for the beautification of
the City. See that we are receiving money's worth for the money spent.
If there is embezzlement anywhere,