their great bulk; pleasant to look at, still better
to use. For they have gentle paces, not fatiguing their riders by
insane curvetings. To ride them is repose rather than toil; and being
broken-in to a delightful and steady pace, they can keep up their
speed, over long distances.

'We too are sending you some presents, but our niece is the fairest
present of all. May God bless you with children, so that our lines may
be allied in future.'

2. KING THEODORIC TO THE KING OF THE HERULI. [Adopting him as his son
by right of arms.]

[Sidenote: Herminafrid adopted as 'filius per arma' by Theodoric.]

'It has been always held amongst the nations a great honour to be
adopted as "filius per arma." Our children by nature often disappoint
our expectations, but to say that we esteem a man _worthy to be our
son_ is indeed praise. As such, after the manner of the nations and in
manly fashion, do we now beget you[325].

[Footnote 325: Notice the strong expression, 'Et ideo more gentium et
conditione virili filium te praesenti munere _procreamus_.']

'We send you horses, spears, and shields, and the rest of the
trappings of the warrior; but above all we send you our judgment that
you are worthy to be our son[326]. Highest among the nations will you
be considered who are thus approved by the mind of Theodoric.

[Footnote 326: 'Damus quidem tibi equos, enses clypeos, et reliqua
instrumenta bellorum, sed quae sunt omnimodis fortiora, largimur tibi
nostra judicia.']

'And though the son should die rather than see his father suffer aught
of harm, we in adopting you are also throwing round you the shield of
our protection. The Heruli have known the value of Gothic help in old
times, and that help will now be yours. A and B, the bearers of these
letters, will explain to you in Gothic (patrio sermone) the rest of
our message to you[327].

[Footnote 327: In 512, says Marcellinus Comes, 'Gens Erulorum in
terras atque civitates Romanorum jussu Anastasii Caesaris introducta.'
But what relation that entry of the Heruli into Roman territory may
bear to this letter is a very difficult question. See Dahn, Koenige der
Germanen ii. 8, _n._ 2.]

3. KING THEODORIC TO SENARIUS, VIR ILLUSTRIS, COMES.

[Conferring upon him the dignity of 'Comitiva Patrimonii.']

[Sidenote: Senarius made Comes Patrimonii.]

'The master's fame is enhanced by choosing the right persons for his
servants. The Sovereign ought to promote such persons that when