t
Theodoric had conquered) had _long_ been obliged to hide the treasures
of their fathers, that surely was the fault rather of Euric and Alaric
II than of Clovis.

Cf. Dahn, 'Koenige der Germanen' iii. 261-2, on all this
correspondence.]

18. KING THEODORIC TO GEMELLUS.

[Sidenote: Magnus to be restored to his possessions.]

[Probably during his government of Gaul].

'We wish that all who have elected to live under our Clemency should
be the better for it.

'The Spectabilis Magnus, spurning the conversation of our enemies
[Franks?], and remembering his own origin, has sought re-patriation in
the Roman Empire; but during his absence his property has suffered
loss. Let him therefore be restored to, and henceforward have
unquestioned possession of, all that he can prove to be his own in the
way of lands, urban or rural slaves.'

19. KING THEODORIC TO DANIEL [A 'COMMONITORIUM'].

[Sidenote: Monopoly of supply of marble sarcophagi.]

'We wish the servants of our palace to have proper reward for their
labours, though we might call on them to render them gratuitously.
Therefore, being much pleased with your skill in preparing and
ornamenting marbles, we concede to you the [sole] right of furnishing
the marble chests in which the citizens of Ravenna bury their dead.

'They thus keep them above ground--no small consolation to the
survivors, since the souls alone depart from this world's
conversation; but they do not altogether lose the bodies which once
were dear to them.

'Do not, however, impose upon their sadness; do not let a relative be
forced to the alternative of wasting his substance in funeral
expenses, or else throwing the body of his dear one into some well. Be
moderate in your charges.'

[Odovacar was buried [Greek: en lithine larnaki] (Joann. Ant. fr.
214). The great stone coffins of Honorius and Valentinian will be
remembered by every visitor to Ravenna.]

20. KING THEODORIC TO THE SAJO GRIMODA AND TO THE APPARITOR
FERROCINCTUS.

[Sidenote: Oppression of Castorius by Faustus.]

[Cf. Dahn, 'Koenige der Germanen' iii. 86 and 113.]

'We are determined to assist the humble, and to repress the violence
of the proud.

'The lamentable petition of Castorius sets forth that he has been
unjustly deprived of his property by the magnificent Praetorian
Praefect Faustus. [The same, no doubt, to whom are addressed iii. 55,
i. 35, and the immediately succeeding letter (iii. 21).]

'If it be so, let