adopting him as his son-at-arms and gave
him a triumph in the city at his expense. Theodoric was
made Consul Ordinary also, which is well known to be
the supreme good and highest honor in the world. Nor
was this all, for Zeno set up before the royal palace an
equestrian statue to the glory of this great man.

[Sidenote: ASKS TO THE EMPIRE FOR HIS RULE]

[Sidenote: THEODORIC SETS OUT FOR ITALY 488]

Now while Theodoric was in alliance by treaty with 290
the Empire of Zeno and was himself enjoying every
comfort in the city, he heard that his tribe, dwelling as
we have said in Illyricum, was not altogether satisfied or
content. So he chose rather to seek a living by his own
exertions, after the manner customary to his race, rather
than to enjoy the advantages of the Roman Empire in
luxurious ease while his tribe lived in want. After pondering
these matters, he said to the Emperor: "Though I
lack nothing in serving your Empire, yet if Your Piety
deem it worthy, be pleased to hear the desire of my
heart." And when as usual he had been granted permission 291
to speak freely, he said: "The western country, long
ago governed by the rule of your ancestors and predecessors,
and that city which was the head and mistress of
the world,--wherefore is it now shaken by the tyranny
of the Torcilingi and the Rugi? Send me there with my
race. Thus if you but say the word, you may be freed
from the burden of expense here, and, if by the Lord's
help I shall conquer, the fame of Your Piety shall be
glorious there. For it is better that I, your servant and
your son, should rule that kingdom, receiving it as a
gift from you if I conquer, than that one whom you do
not recognize should oppress your Senate with his tyrannical
yoke and a part of the republic with slavery. For if
I prevail, I shall retain it as your grant and gift; if I am
conquered, Your Piety will lose nothing--nay, as I have
said, it will save the expense I now entail." Although the 292
Emperor was grieved that he should go, yet when he
heard this he granted what Theodoric asked, for he was
unwilling to cause him sorrow. He sent him forth enriched
by great gifts and commended to his charge the
Senate and the Roman People.

[Sidenote: HE CONQUERS ODOACER AND PUTS HIM TO DEATH 493]

Therefore Theodoric departed from the royal city and
returned to his own people. In company with the whole
tribe of the Goths, who gave him their unanimous consent,
he set out