Part 27 (2/2)

2. Similarly as to the s.e.xtarius which the merchant of each Province imports. No one is to dare insolently to exact the prices which have been always condemned.

3. Fines of 1,200 on the Praefect himself, and 400 on his _officium_ (subordinates), are to be levied if this order is disobeyed.

4. If the 'Siliquatarius' thinks right to withhold the monopoly (of corn) from any merchant, he must not also exact the monopoly payment from him.

5. As to the Aurarii [persons liable to payment of the _l.u.s.tralis auri collatio_[262]], let the old order be observed, and those only be cla.s.sed under this function whom the authority of antiquity chose to serve thereunder.

[Footnote 262: This appears to have been a tax levied on all traders, otherwise known as the Chrysargyron. See Cod. Theod. xiii. 1. Aurarii is therefore equivalent to Licensed Traders.]

27. KING THEODORIC TO ALL THE JEWS LIVING IN GENOA.

[Sidenote: Rebuilding of Jewish Synagogue.]

The Jews are permitted to roof in the old walls of their synagogue, but they are not to enlarge it beyond its old borders, nor to add any kind of ornament, under pain of the King's sharp displeasure; and this leave is granted on the understanding that it does not conflict with the thirty years' 'Statute of Limitations.'

'Why do ye desire what ye ought to shun? In truth we give the permission which you craved, but we suitably blame the desire of your wandering minds. _We cannot order a religion, because no one is forced to believe against his will._'

28. KING THEODORIC TO STEPHa.n.u.s, 'SENATOR, COMES PRIMI ORDINIS, AND EX-PRINCEPS OF OUR OFFICIUM[263].'

[Footnote 263: Are we to understand by this expression the Officium of the Praetorian Praefect?]

[Sidenote: Honours conferred on Stepha.n.u.s on his retirement from the Civil Service.]

Praises him for all the good qualities which have been recognised by successive Judges under whom he has served--his secrecy, efficiency, and incorruptibility.

He is therefore, on his retirement from active service, raised to the honour of a 'Spectabilis,' and rewarded with the rank of 'Comitiva Primi Ordinis.' As a substantial recompence he is to have all the privileges which by 'divalia const.i.tuta' belong to the 'ex-principes'

of his Schola, and is guaranteed against all damage and 'sordid burdens[264],' with a hope of further employment in other capacities[265].

[Footnote 264: Curial obligations.]

[Footnote 265: 'Fixum tenuisti _militiae probatae_ vestigium.

Spectabilitatis honorem, quem _militiae sudore_ detersis justa deputavit antiquitas praesenti tibi auctoritate conferimus ut laboris tui tandem finitas _excubias_ ... intelligas ... Tibique utpote _militiae_ munere persoluto.' The term 'militia' is employed here, as in the Codes, of 'service in a bureau.']

29. KING THEODORIC TO ADILA, SENATOR AND COMES.

[Sidenote: Protection to dependents of the Church.]

[Notice the Senatorial rank borne by a man with a Gothic name.]

'We wish to protect all our subjects[266], but especially the Church, because by so doing we earn the favour of Heaven. Therefore, in accordance with the pet.i.tion of the blessed Eustorgius[267], Bishop of Milan, we desire you to accord all necessary protection to the men and farms belonging to the Milanese Church in Sicily: always understanding, however, that they are not to refuse to plead in answer to any public or private suit that may be brought against them. They are to be protected from wrong, but are not themselves to deviate from the path of justice.'

[Footnote 266: 'Quia Regnantes est gloria, subjectorum otiosa tranquillitas.']

[Footnote 267: For Eustorgius, cf. Letter i. 9.]

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