'Enquire if the story which is told us be true, namely that the Presbyter Laurentius has been groping for fatal riches among human corpses. An odious inversion of his functions, that he who should preach peace to the living has been robbing the dead, and that hands which have been touched with the oil of consecration should have been grasping at unholy gains, instead of distributing his own honestly acquired substance to the poor. If after diligent examination you find that the charge is true, you must make him disgorge the gold. As for punishment, for the sake of the honour of the priesthood we leave that to a higher Power[342].'
[19.] King Theodoric to Gemellus, [Senator].
The Siliquaticum not to be levied on corn, wine, and oil.
'The Prince should try to remedy the afflictions of his subjects. Therefore, for the present time [probably on account of the scarcity in Gaul], we decree that the tax of Siliquaticum, which Antiquity ordained should be levied on all buyings and sellings, shall not be levied on corn, wine, and oil. We hope thus to stimulate trade, and to benefit not only the Provincials, who are our chief care, but also the merchants. Let the ship that traverses the seas not fear our harbours. Often the sailor dreads the rapacity of the collector of customs more than the danger of shipwreck. It shall not be so now.'
[20.] King Theodoric to Geberich, [Senator].
Land taken from the Church to be restored to it.
'If we are willing to enrich the Church by our own liberality, à fortiori will we not allow it to be despoiled of the gifts received from pious princes in the past.
'The supplication of the Venerable Bishop Constantius informs us that a jugum [= jugerum, about two-thirds of an English acre] of land so bestowed on the "sacrosanct" Church has been taken away from her, and is unlawfully held by the despoiler.
'See that right is done, and that the Church has her own restored to her without any diminution.'