[Why is Simeon not called Illustris, as in the previous letter? This seems to show that the titles 'Clarissimus' and 'Illustris' were not always used with technical exactness, as they would have been under Diocletian.]
[27.] King Theodoric to Joannes, [Senator], Consular of Campania.
Promises protection against the Praetorian Praefect.
'You have not complained to us in vain that the Praetorian Praefect [perhaps again Faustus] is venting a private grudge against you under colour of the discharge of his public duty. We will wall you round with our protection. Go now and discharge the duties of Consular of Campania with the like devotion as your predecessors, and with this reflection: "If the King prevents my superior the Praetorian Praefect from doing me harm, with what unfailing rigour will he visit me if I do wrong."'
[28.] King Theodoric to Cassiodorus, Vir Illustris and Patrician[294].
An invitation to Cassiodorus Senior to come to Court.
'For your glorious services, and your incorruptible administration, which has given deep peace to the nation, we reward you by summoning you to Court.
'Having endeavoured to check another [probably alluding to the disgrace of Faustus], we have bestowed our praises on you, as all the Palace knows. Come then, come eagerly, as he should do whom his Sovereign is going to entertain[295].'
[29.] King Theodoric to Argolicus, Illustris and Praefect of the City.
Permission to Paulinus to repair certain granaries at Rome.