the death of Amalasuentha be alluded to. 'You and your husband
accused us of that crime. Now by God's providence we have been able to
show that we were guiltless of it [that it was done without our
privity by the relations of the three Gothic nobles whom she had put
to death]. Nothing therefore remains to hinder peace between us.']

'Claim this palm of concord between the two States as your own
especial crown, that as the Emperor is renowned for his successful
wars, so you may receive the praises of all men for this accomplished
peace. Let the bearer of these letters see you often and
confidentially. We hope for just, not onerous, conditions of peace,
although in truth nothing seems impossible to us if we know that it is
asked for by such a glorious person as yourself.'

24. QUEEN GUDELINA TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN[676].

[Footnote 676: Apparently sent at the same time as the two preceding
letters.]

[Sidenote: The same subject.]

A short letter of compliments to the Emperor, and earnest desire for
the preservation of peace. Peter and 'ille vir venerabilis' are still
the messengers.

25. KING THEODAHAD TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN.

[Sidenote: The same subject.]

'The august page written by your Serenity, and brought to us by the
venerable presbyter Heracleanus, has gleamed upon us, bringing us the
grace of your salutation. Oh, what a great benefit for us is this
sweet converse with so mighty a prince!

'May we ever hear of your safety, and of the increase of the happiness
of your kingdom. We have no other wish but this. According to your
desire we have addressed letters to the Pope of the City of Rome[677],
telling him to reply to the letter brought by the present messenger
with the least possible delay, since anyone who comes from you should
be attended to with utmost celerity. We hope for many future
opportunities of thus obeying your desires and earning your love in
return.'

[Footnote 677: Negotiations were evidently still going on between the
Emperor and the Pope, probably with reference to the election of
Anthimus, who, though accused of Monophysitism, had been made
Patriarch of Constantinople in 535 by Theodora's influence, and whom
the Pope apparently refused to recognise. He was afterwards deposed by
Pope Agapetus when he visited Constantinople.]

26. KING THEODAHAD TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN.

[Sidenote: A monastery too heavily taxed.]

'Richer than all other gifts bestowed by your Serenity i