air in the _thermae_ themselves or in the
passages (cuniculi), let this be done out of the money which we now
send you. Let the thorns and briers which have grown up around it be
rooted up. Let the palace, shaken with extreme old age, be
strengthened by careful restoration. Let the space which intervenes
between the public building and the source of the hot-spring be
cleared of its woodland roughness, and the turf around rejoice in the
green beauty which it derives from the heated waters.'

[The hot-springs of Abano, the ancient Aponum, are situated near the
Euganean Hills, and are about six miles from Padua. The heat of the
water varies from 77 deg. to 185 deg. (Fahr.). The chief chemical ingredients
are, as stated by Cassiodorus, salt and sulphur. Some of the minute
description of Cassiodorus (greatly condensed in the above abstract)
seems to be still applicable; but he does not mention the mud-baths
which now take a prominent place in the cure. On the other hand, the
wonderful moral qualities of the spring are not mentioned by modern
travellers.]

40. KING THEODORIC TO BOETIUS THE PATRICIAN.

[Sidenote: Boetius to choose a harper for the King of the Franks.]

'The King of the Franks [Clovis] has asked us to send him a harper. We
felt that in you lay our best chance of complying with his request,
because you, being such a lover of music yourself, will be able to
introduce us to the right man.'

Reflections on the nature of music. She is the Queen of the senses;
when she comes forth from her secret abiding place all other thoughts
are cast out. Her curative influence on the soul.

The five tones: the Dorian[272], influencing to modesty and purity;
the Phrygian to fierce combat; the Aeolian to tranquillity and
slumber; the Ionian (Jastius), which sharpens the intellect of the
dull and kindles the desire of heavenly things; the Lydian, which
soothes the soul oppressed with too many cares.

[Footnote 272: Cf. Milton:

'To the Dorian mood
Of flutes and soft recorders; such as rais'd
To highth of noblest temper heroes old
Arming to battle, and instead of rage
Deliberate valour breath'd, firm and unmov'd
With dread of death to flight or foul retreat.']

We distinguish the highest, middle, and lowest in each tone, obtaining
thus in all fifteen tones of artificial music.

The diapason is collected from all, and unites all their virtues.

Classical instances of music: