vocatoria quam Princeps dirigit.]

'We summon you by these presents to our Comitatus, that you may have
an extraordinary pleasure. Be brisk therefore, and come on such a day
to such a city. Our Palace longs for the presence of good men, and God
puts it into our hearts to give them a cordial reception.'

35. FORMULA OF SUMMONS TO THE COURT (SOLICITED).

[Sidenote: Formula Evocatoria quae petenti conceditur.]

'It is a sign of a good conscience to seek the presence of a just
ruler; it is only good deeds that crave the light of the sun. Come
then speedily. We consider our own glory augmented when we see noble
men flocking to our obedience.'

36. FORMULA GRANTING TEMPORARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

[Sidenote: Formula Commeatalis ad tempus.]

'All men require change: even honey cloys after a time. We therefore
give you leave to visit such a Province and remain there so many
months, with the understanding that when they are over you return to
the City. If it be tedious to live always in the City, how much more
to live long in the country! But we gladly give you this holiday, not
that Rome should be deserted, but that absence from her may commend
her to you all the more.'

37. FORMULA CONFERRING THE RANK OF A SPECTABILIS.

[Sidenote: Spectabilitas.]

'Wishing to bestow the right honours on the right man among our
subjects, we decorate you with the splendour of a _Spectabilis_, that
you may know that your opinion is duly respected[489] at all public
meeting-places, when you take your honoured seat among the nobles.'

[Footnote 489: 'Spectandam,' an allusion to the derivation of
_spectabilis_.]

38. FORMULA CONFERRING THE RANK OF A CLARISSIMUS.

[Sidenote: Clarissimatus.]

'The desire of praise is a good thing, and leads to the increase of
virtue. Receive the honour of the _Clarissimatus_, as a testimony to
the excellence of your past life and a pledge of your future
prosperity. Observe, you are not called _Clarus_, but _Clarissimus_.
Everything that is most excellent may be believed of him who is
saluted by such a splendid superlative.'

39. FORMULA BESTOWING 'POLICE PROTECTION.'

[Sidenote: Tuitio Regii nominis.]

'Though it seems superfluous to grant special protection to any of our
subjects, since all are shielded by the laws, yet moved by your cry
for help we are willing to relieve you and to give you as a strong
tower of defence the shelter of our name[490], into which you may
retire when wounded b