t tantum de _prima
illatione_ faciamus _suspendi_ quantum ad nos notitia directa
vulgaverit.' The meaning of Cassiodorus seems quite clear, though it
is not easy to understand how far the actual gift of money was
supplemented by, or independent of, remission of land-tax.]

'And put up your prayers for your most affectionate Sovereigns, that
they may receive back again from Heaven the favour which they are
conferring on you.'

16. SENATOR, PRAETORIAN PRAEFECT, TO THE LIGURIANS.

[Sidenote: Oppressions practised on the Ligurians to be remedied.]

'In thanking me so earnestly for a recent benefit [probably the
present mentioned in the preceding letter] you invited me to further
favours, and the implied promise which I then gave you I now fulfil.

'You complain that you are burdened with unjust weights and measures,
and I therefore declare that this iniquity shall cease, and that no
tax-collector or tithe-collector[769], shall dare to use too long a
measure or too heavy a weight [in the collection of the King's
revenue].

[Footnote 769: 'Exactores atque susceptores.' For the latter office,
see Cod. Theod. xii. 6.]

'Also that their accounts shall be promptly balanced, and that any
overcharge that may be detected shall be at once repaid.

'Now then, your minds being freed from anxiety on this score, turn
your attention to the supply of the wants of our most flourishing
army, and show your zeal for the public good, since we have satisfied
you that it is not for private and fraudulent gains that you are to
pay your contributions.'

17. ON THE PROMOTIONS IN THE OFFICIAL STAFF OF THE PRAETORIAN
PRAEFECT, MADE ON CHRISTMAS DAY[770].

[Footnote 770: This letter was probably addressed to the Princeps, the
highest person in the whole Officium, as it contains the words '_unus_
quisque ... _tua designatione vulgetur_.']

[Sidenote: Promotions in Officium of Praefectus Praetorio.]

'On this day of general rejoicing, when by the kindness of Heaven the
way of salvation was opened to all mankind, we wish that the members
of our staff should also be glad. For to rejoice, ourselves, when
those around us are mourning, is a kind of sacrilege. Hence some
philosophers have held that the whole human race is one being, the
various members of which are constrained to share one another's
feelings of joy or sadness. Therefore let every official in our staff
according to his grade[771] get promotion on this day, not only rising
hi