rusted for the rebuilding of the
walls of Rome have been embezzling it, as was proved by your
examination of their accounts (discussio). We are very glad that you
have not hidden their misconduct from us (inclined as a generous mind
is to cover up offences), since you would thereby have made yourself
partaker of their evil deeds. They must restore that which they have
dishonestly appropriated, but we shall not (as we might fairly do)
inflict upon them any further fine. We are naturally inclined to
clemency, and they will groan at having to give up plunder which they
had already calculated upon as their own.'

35. KING THEODORIC TO TANCILA, SENATOR.

[We have here another Senator with a Gothic name].

[Sidenote: Theft of brazen statue at Como.]

'We are much displeased at hearing that a brazen statue has been
stolen from the City of Como. It is vexatious that while we are
labouring to increase the ornaments of our cities, those which
Antiquity has bequeathed to us should by such deeds be diminished.
Offer a reward of 100 aurei (L60) to anyone who will reveal the author
of this crime; promise pardon [to an accomplice], and if this does not
suffice, call all the workmen together "post diem venerabilem" [Does
this mean on the day after Sunday?], and enquire of them "sub terrore"
[by torture?] by whose help this has been done. For such a piece of
work as moving this statue could only have been undertaken by some
handicraftsman.'

36. EDICT ABOUT THE STATUE AT COMO.

[Refers to previous letter.]

[Sidenote: The same subject.]

'Though impunity for the crime should be sufficient reward, we promise
100 aurei, as well as forgiveness for his share in the offence, to
anyone who will reveal the author of the theft of the statue at Como.
A golden reward for a brazen theft. Anyone not accepting this offer
and afterwards convicted will suffer the extreme penalty of the law.'

37. KING THEODORIC TO FAUSTUS, PRAETORIAN PRAEFECT.

[Sidenote: Largesse to citizens of Spoleto.]

'As our Kingdom and revenues prosper, we wish to increase our
liberality. Let your Magnificence therefore give to the citizens of
Spoletium another "millena" for extraordinary gratuitous admissions to
the baths[269]. We wish to pay freely for anything that tends to the
health of our citizens, because the praise of our times is the
celebration of the joys of the people.'

[Footnote 269: 'Ad exhibitionem thermarum supra consuetudinem.']

[The 'm