es. To fawn upon them with feigned
politeness and then terrify them with enormous charges is the act of
a highway robber. Do you not know how much better moderate prices
would suit your own purpose? Travellers would gladly flock to your
accommodation-houses[760] if they found that you treated them fairly.

[Footnote 760: This is, I believe, the expression used in some of the
Australian colonies for what Cassiodorus calls _commoda vestra_.]

'Let no one think that because he is a long way off, his extortion
will escape notice, for people are arriving here every day with tales
of your rapacity.

'An official despatched for the purpose will, after deliberation with
the citizens and Bishops of each place, decide what prices are to be
charged there; and then whosoever dares to ask higher prices will have
to pay a fine of six solidi (L3 12s.) and will be afflicted by the
laceration of his body.

'Honest gains at the expense of your fellow-citizens ought to suffice
for all of you. One would think that the highways were beset with
brigands.'

13. THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME TO THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN.

[Sidenote: Supplications of the Senate to Justinian.]

'It seems a right and proper thing that we should address our prayers
for the safety of the Roman Republic to a dutiful Sovereign[761], who
can only desire what will benefit our freedom. We therefore beseech
you, most clement Emperor, and from the bosom of the Curia we stretch
forth our two hands to you in prayer, that you will grant a most
enduring peace to our King. Spurn not us, who ever seemed certain of
your love. It is in truth the Roman name that you are commending, if
you grant gracious terms to our lords. May your league with them
assure the peace of Italy; and if our prayers be not sufficient to
accomplish this thing, imagine that you hear our country break forth
with these words of supplication: "If ever I was acceptable to thee,
love, oh most dutiful Sovereign, love my defenders! They who rule me
ought to be in harmony with thee, lest otherwise they begin to do such
deeds towards me as thou least of all men wouldest desire. Be not to
me a cause of death, thou who hast ever ministered unto me the joys of
life. Lo, while at peace with thee I have doubled the number of my
children, I have been decked with the glory of my citizens. If thou
sufferest me to be wounded, where is thy dutiful name of Son? What
couldest even thou do more for me [than these rulers