in the maintenance
of morality as we can possibly be in war. For what profit is there in
having removed the turmoil of the Barbarians, unless we live according
to law? Certain slaves, on our army's entry into Gaul, have run away
from their old masters and betaken themselves to new ones. Let them be
restored to their rightful owners. Rights must not be confounded under
the rule of justice, nor ought the defender of liberty to favour
recreant slaves. [Probably an allusion to the office of the _Assertor
Libertatis_ in the _Liberalis Causa_, as set forth in the Theodosian
Code iv. 8.] Let other kings desire the glory of battles won, of
cities taken, of ruins made; our purpose is, God helping us, so to
rule that our subjects shall grieve that they did not earlier acquire
the blessing of our dominion.'

44. KING THEODORIC TO ALL THE LANDOWNERS [POSSESSORES] OF ARLES.

[Sidenote: Repair of walls of Arles, and supply of corn.]

'We wish to refresh men, but to repair cities also, that the renewed
fortune of the citizens may be displayed by the splendour of their
buildings.

'We have therefore directed that a certain sum of money be sent for
the repair of the walls and old towers of Arles. But we are also going
to send you, as soon as the time is favourable for navigation,
provisions to supply the waste caused by the war. Be of good cheer,
therefore! Grain for which our word is pledged is as good as grain
already in your granaries.'

45. KING THEODORIC TO ARIGERN, ILLUSTRIS AND COUNT.

[Sidenote: Site disputed between Roman Church and Samaritans.]

'It is represented to us by the Defensors of the "sacrosanct" Roman
Church that Pope Simplicius, of blessed memory, bought a house at
Rome[303] of Eufrasius the Acolyte, with all proper formalities, and
that now the people of the Samaritan superstition, hardened in
effrontery, allege that a synagogue of theirs was built on that site,
and claim it accordingly; whereas the very style of building, say
their opponents, shows that this was meant as a private house and not
as a synagogue. Enquire into this matter, and do justice accordingly.
If we will not tolerate chicanery [calumniae] against men, much less
will we against the Divinity Himself.'

[Footnote 303: 'In sacratissima urbe.']

46. KING THEODORIC TO ADEODATUS.

[Sidenote: Further charges of misgovernment against Venantius.]

'The crimes of subjects are an occasion for manifesting the virtues of
princes. You hav