Extols in high-flown language the merits of the minister who in the early and troublous days of Theodoric's reign conciliated the wavering affections of the suspicious Sicilians[215], governed them so justly that not even they (addicted as they are, according to Cicero, to grumbling) could complain; then displayed equal rectitude in the government of his own native Province of Bruttii and Lucania (hard as it is to be perfectly just in the government of one's own native place); then administered the Praefecture in such a way as to earn the thanks of all Italy, even the taxes not being felt to be burdensome under his rule, because so justly levied; and now, finally, as a reward for all these services, is raised to the distinguished honour of the Patriciate.
[4.] King Theodoric to the Senate of the City of Rome.
[Introducing Cassiodorus (Senior) on his accession to the honours of the Patriciate.]
Great deeds of the ancestors of Cassiodorus for three generations.
Compliments to the Senate, of which Theodoric wishes to increase the dignity by bestowing honours on its most eminent members.
Recital of the services and good qualities of Cassiodorus[216]:
(a) as 'Comes Privatarum;'
(b) as 'Comes Sacrarum Largitionum;'
(c) as Governor of Provinces.
(General reflections on the importance of a governor being himself a virtuous man).