more loved in the regions of Italy, from whence the glory of the Roman
name was diffused over the whole world! It behoves you therefore to
continue that peaceful disposition which you showed towards us at the
commencement of our reign.

'We have desired the most blessed Pope and the most honourable Senate
of the City of Rome to give their answers to the eloquent and worthy
Peter, your ambassador, with as little delay as possible; and we have
joined with him that venerable person our ambassador[662], that you
may know our mind from our own messenger.'

[Footnote 662: The name of 'virum illum venerabilem' is not given, but
we learn from Procopius (De Bello Gotthico i. 6) that it was Rusticus,
a priest, a Roman, and an intimate friend of Theodahad.]

20. QUEEN GUDELINA[663] TO THEODORA AUGUSTA.

[Footnote 663: Wife of Theodahad.]

[Sidenote: Embassy of Rusticus.]

'I have received with thanks the earnestly-desired letters of your
Piety, and reverently prize the report of your spoken words as better
than all gifts. You exhort us first of all to impart to your hearing
whatever requests we wish to make to your triumphant lord and
consort[664]. Backed by such patronage as yours, how can there be any
doubt as to the success of our petitions? It is an addition to our joy
that your Serenity has chosen such a man for your ambassador, one whom
it is equally fitting for your glory to send and for our obedience to
receive[665]. There can be no doubt that it is by constant observation
of your character that his own has become so excellent, since it is by
good maxims that the mind of man is cleansed from impurity[666].
According to the warning of your Reverence we have given orders that
both Pope and Senate shall give their answers to your messengers
quickly, so that there may be no delay.

[Footnote 664: 'Hortamini enim ut quidquid expetendum a triumphali
principe domino jugali nostro (?) credimus vestris ante sensibus
ingeramus.' It seems to me that the sense requires _vestro_ instead of
_nostro_, and I have translated accordingly. (Dahn also makes this
correction.)]

[Footnote 665: 'Et vestra decet obsequia retinere.' Here 'nostra'
seems to give a better sense than 'vestra.']

[Footnote 666: 'Dubium enim non est illam mores dare cui observatur
assidue, dum constat defaecari animum bonis praeceptionibus
institutum.' Rather hazardous praise to address to a Theodora.]

[Sidenote: Possible reference to death of Amalasuent