admirably represent the natural appearance[220]. From Art proceeds
this gift, which conquers Nature. And thus the discoloured surface of
the marble is woven into the loveliest variety of pictures; the value
of the work, now as always, being increased by the minute labour which
has to be expended on the production of the Beautiful.'

[Footnote 220: 'Et venis colludentibus illigata naturalem faciem
laudabiliter mentiantur.']

7. KING THEODORIC TO FELIX, VIR CLARISSIMUS.

This letter will be best understood by a reference to the following
pedigree:

N.
|
__________________________________________
| | |
FELIX = A daughter. NEOTHERIUS PLUTIANUS
[a spendthrift]. [a minor, whose
guardian is
Venantius].

[Sidenote: The inheritance of Plutianus.]

Apparently Felix is accused by Venantius, the guardian of his young
brother-in-law Plutianus, of having, on behalf of his wife, made an
unfair division of the family property (which had been originally
given to the father of these lads by Theodoric, as a reward for his
services). In doing this he has availed himself of the spendthrift
character of Neotherius, the elder brother, who was probably already
of age.

Felix is severely blamed, and ordered to hand over what he has
fraudulently appropriated to the official, who is charged with the
execution of this mandate.

Both are summoned to the 'Comitatus' of the King, that a fair division
may there be made between them.

8. KING THEODORIC TO AMABILIS, THE COLLECTOR (EXSECUTOR).

[Sidenote: The prodigality of Neotherius.]

In reference to this same matter of the wasted property of Plutianus.
It appears from this letter that Neotherius has been not merely a
spendthrift, but has been actuated by motives of passionate hatred to
his younger brother[221]. The King enlarges on his obligation to
protect the weak, and orders the officer to see that justice is done
according to the representations of Venantius, unless the other side
have any counter plea to allege, in which case 'ad nostrum venire
deproperet comitatum.'

[Footnote 221: 'Neotherium fratrem suum, affectum germanitatis
oblitum, _bona parvuli hostili furore lacerasse_.']

9. KING THEODORIC TO