[Announcing the promotion of Senarius, conferred in the [preceding letter].]
On the same subject.
Describes the merits of the new Comes, who when young in years but mature in merit had entered the service of the Palace; his diplomatic career[331] and his moderation and reserve in the midst of success, although naturally 'joy is a garrulous thing,' and it is difficult for men who are carrying all before them to restrain the expression of their exaltation.
Compliments to the Senate, who are invited to give a hearty welcome to the new comer.
[5.] King Theodoric to Amabilis, Vir Devotus[332] and Comes.
Supply of provisions to famine-stricken Provinces of Gaul.
'Having heard that there is dearth in our Gaulish Provinces we direct your Devotion to take bonds from the shipmasters along the whole western coast of Italy (Lucania, Campania, and Thuscia) that they will go with supplies of food only to the Gauls, having liberty to dispose of their cargoes as may be agreed between buyer and seller. They will find their own profit in this, for there is no better customer for a corn-merchant than a hungry man. He looks on all his other possessions as dross if he can only supply the cravings of necessity. He who is willing to sell to a man in this condition almost seems to be giving him what he needs, and can very nearly ask his own price.'
[It will be seen that in this letter there is no attempt to fix a maximum price, only to prescribe the kind of cargo, 'victuales species,' which is to be carried to Gaul.]
[6.] King Theodoric to Symmachus, Vir Illustris, Patrician.
The sons of Valerian to be detained in Rome.