Looking after the interests of the absent.
'We are glad to see that our good opinion of you is shared by your neighbours, and that the Patrician Agnellus, going to Africa on our business, has chosen you to defend his interests in his absence. No one can give a higher proof of confidence than this. Look well after the trust committed to you. There seems to be a peculiar temptation to neglect the interests of the absent.'
[16.] King Theodoric to Julianus, Comes Patrimonii [probably 508].
Remission of taxes. Hostile incursions.
'It is an excellent investment to do a generous thing to our subjects. The Apulian "Conductores" [farmers of the Royal domain] have represented to us with tears that their crops have been burned by hostile invaders [Byzantines?]. We therefore authorise you to deduct at the next Indiction what shall seem the right proportion for these losses from the amount due to us[227]. See, however, that our revenue sustains no unnecessary loss. We are touched by the losses of the suppliants, but we ought on the other hand to share their profits.'
[17.] King Theodoric to all the Gothic and Roman Inhabitants of Dertona (Tortona).
Fortification of camp near Dertona.
'We have decided that the camp near you shall at once be fortified. It is expedient to execute works of this kind in peace rather than in war.
'The true meaning of expeditio shows that the leader of a military expedition should have an unencumbered mind.
'Do you therefore second our efforts by building good private houses, in which you will be sheltered, while the enemy (whenever he comes) will be in the worst possible quarters[228], and exposed to all the severity of the weather.'