[54] The meaning apparently is: 'The experience which he had gained in Theodoric's service was employed for the advantage of his grandson.'

[55] Var. [ix. 24].

[56] 'Diutius quidem differendo pro te cunctorum vota lassavimus, ut benevolentiam in te probaremus generalitatis, et cunctis desiderabilior advenires.'

[57] Var. [vi. 3].

[58] Joannes Lydus, De Dignitatibus ii. 7, 8, 9, 13, 14.

[59] Bethmann Hollweg (pp. 75, 76) enumerates the functions of the Praetorian Praefect thus: '(1) Legislative. He promulgated the Imperial laws, and issued edicts which had almost the force of laws. (2) Financial. The general tax (indictio, delegatio) ordered by the Emperor for the year, was proclaimed by each Praefect for his own Praefecture. Through his officials he took part in the levy of the tax, and had a special State-chest (arca praetoria) for the proceeds. (3) Administrative. The Praefect proposed the names of provincial governors, handed to them their salaries, had a general oversight of them, issued rescripts on the information furnished by them, and could as their ordinary Judge inflict punishments upon them, even depose them from their offices, and temporarily nominate substitutes to act in their places. (4) Judicial, as the highest Judge of Appeal.'

[60] See authorities quoted by Bethmann Hollweg, pp. 79, 80.

[61] 'ορκοις δεινοτατοις.

[62] Variarum [iv. 39] and [v. 12].

[63] The dates of the death of Athalaric and deposition of Amalasuentha are given by Agnellus in his Liber Pontificalis Ecclesiae Ravennatis, p. 322 (in the edition comprised in the Monumenta Germaniae Historica).