ed that A and B, the bearers of this letter,
should take unto you the oaths which you solicited[655]. I do this
thing for God's sake, not for man's; for how could I, who have run
through the story of ancient realms in Holy Writ, wish to do anything
else but that which is well-pleasing to God, who will assuredly
recompense me according to my works. Henceforward, then, serve me
loyally, and in the full security which you have thus acquired: yea,
your love will be now the repayment of a debt rather than a freewill
offering.'

[Footnote 654: 'Ecce nec sollicitos patimur, quibus infensi esse
putabamur.']

[Footnote 655: 'Postulata siquidem sacramenta vobis, ab Illo atque
Illo praestari nostra decrevit auctoritas.']

17. KING THEODAHAD TO THE ROMAN PEOPLE.

[Sidenote: The same subject.]

'Since your security is our highest ornament, and since our love
wishes to remove every shade of anxiety from your minds, we have
ordered A and B to take oaths to you in our name, whereby you may know
the mind of your King towards you. Though this act might seem not to
consort with our dignity, we willingly perform it for your sakes, and
add the sanction of an oath, though we have learned from the Sacred
Scriptures that a mere promise ought to be kept. Now it is for you to
show your devotion, and with assiduous prayers to implore of the
Majesty on high that the tranquil times which we long that you may
enjoy may be granted by the gift of Heaven.'

18. KING THEODAHAD TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[Sidenote: A Gothic garrison for Rome.]

'Anxious that what we are devising for your safety should not be
misinterpreted by bitter suspicion, we do you to wit that the army
which is marching to Rome is intended for your defence, in order that
they who covet your possessions may by Divine help be resisted by the
arms of the Goths. If the shepherd is bound to watch over his flock,
the father of the family to see that no crafty deceiver enters
therein, with what anxious care ought not we to defend the City of
Rome, which by universal consent is unequalled in the world[656]. So
precious a possession must not be staked upon any throw. But that the
defence of the City may be in no wise burdensome to you, we have
ordered that the soldiers shall pay at the ordinary market rate for
the provisions which they require; and we have desired Vacco, the
steward of our house, to superintend these purchases. He is a man of
valour and integrity, who