'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 petition 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.] 30. KING THEODORIC TO FAUSTUS, PRAETORIAN PRAEFECT. [Sequel to last letter.] [Sidenote: Freedom from taxation granted to Church of Milan.] 'Our generosity to an individual does not harm the public, and there is no reason for putting any bounds to its exercise. 'The Defensores of the Holy Church of Milan want to be enabled to buy as cheap as possible the things which they need for the relief of the poor; and they say that we have bestowed this favour on the Church of Ravenna. 'Your Magnificence will therefore allow them to single out some one merchant who shall buy for them in the market, without being subject to monopoly, siliquaticum, or the payment of gold-fee[268].' [Footnote 268: Auraria pensio. See note on ii. 26.] [It is easy to see how liable to abuse such an exception was. Who was to decide when this merchant was buying for the Church and when for himself; when the Church was buying for the poor and when for her own enrichment?] 31. KING THEODORIC TO THE DROMONARII [ROWERS IN EXPRESS-BOATS]. [Sidenote: State Galleys on the Po.] 'Those who claim the title of "militia" ought to serve the public advantage. We have therefore told the Count of Sacred Largesses that you are to assemble at Hostilia [on the Padus, about fifteen miles east of Mantua], there to receive pay from our Treasury, and then to relieve the land postal-service (veredarii) by excursions up and down the channel of the Padus. There is no fear of _your_ limping; you walk with your hands. No fear of _your_ carriages wearing out; they travel over liquid roads, and suffer no wear and tear because they are borne along upon the wave which itself runs with them.' 32. KING THEODORIC TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME. [Sidenote: Drainage of marshes of Decennonium.] 'We always enjoy rewarding public spirit. Decius, Magnificus and Patrician, has most nobly volunteered to drain the marsh of Decennonium, where the sea-like swamp, accustomed to impunity through long licence, rushes in and spoils all the surrounding lands.