al expired and been
renewed, and still he does not pay. When he is arrested he trembles
with fear, and will promise anything; as soon as he is liberated he
seems to forget every promise that he has made. He changes his words,
like the chameleon, that little creature which in the shape of a
serpent is distinguished by a gold-coloured head, and has all the rest
of its body of a pale green. This little beast when it meets the gaze
of men, not being gifted with speed of flight, confused with its
excess of timidity, changes its colours in marvellous variety, now
azure, now purple, now green, now dark blue. The chameleon, again, may
be compared to the Pandian gem [sapphire?], which flashes with all
sorts of lights and colours while you hold it still in your hand.

'Such then is the mind of Frontosus. He may be rightly compared to
Proteus, who when he was laid hold of, appeared in every shape but his
own, roared as a lion, hissed as a serpent, or foamed away in watery
waves, all in order to conceal his true shape of man.

'Since this is his character, when you arrest him, first stop his
mouth from promising, for his facile nature is ready with all sorts of
promises which he has no chance of performing. Then ascertain what he
can really pay at once, and keep him bound till he does it. He must
not be allowed to think that he can get the better of us with his
tricks.'

35. KING THEODORIC TO COUNT LUVIRIT, AND AMPELIUS.

[Sidenote: Fraudulent ship-owners to be punished.]

'When we were in doubt about the food supply of Rome, we judged it
proper that Spain should send her cargoes of wheat hither, and the Vir
Spectabilis Marcian collected supplies there for this purpose. His
industry, however, was frustrated by the greed of the shipowners, who,
disliking the necessary delay, slipped off and disposed of the grain
for their own profit. Little as we like harshness, this offence must
be punished. We have therefore directed Catellus and Servandus (Viri
Strenui) to collect from these shipmasters the sum of 1,038 solidi
(L622 16s.), inasmuch as they appear to have received:

'From the sale of the corn 280 solidi.
'And from the fares of passengers 758 "
------
'1,038 "

'Let your Sublimity assist in the execution of this order.'

36. KING THEODORIC TO STARCEDIUS, VIR SUBLIMIS.

[Sidenote: Honourable discharge.]

'You tell us that your body,