26. FORMULA OF THE COUNTSHIP OF THE SECOND RANK IN DIVERS CITIES[482]. [Footnote 482: The title runs thus (in Nivellius' Edition): 'Formula Comitivae Honorum Scientiae Ordinis diversarum Civitatum.' I do not know what is meant by 'Honorum Scientiae.' Can 'Scientiae' be a transcriber's blunder for 'secundi?'] [Sidenote: Comitiva diversarum civitatum.] For the sentences, more than usually devoid of meaning, in which Cassiodorus dilates on Free-will, Justice, and the mind of man, it may be well to substitute Manso's description of this dignity (p. 379): 'By the title of a Count of the Second Order the Judges in little towns appear chiefly to have been rewarded and encouraged. Those named for it, however, can hardly have received any great distinction or especial privileges, for Cassiodorus not only enumerates no civic advantages thus secured to them, but expressly says, "We intend to bestow better things than this upon you, if you earn our approbation in your present office." He does not use this language to those adorned with the _Comitiva Primi Ordinis_.' 27. FORMULA ADDRESSED TO THE DIGNIFIED CULTIVATORS AND CURIALES[483]. [Footnote 483: Cf. vi. 24.] [Sidenote: Honorati Possessores et Curiales.] 'As one must rule and the rest obey, we have for this Indiction conferred the Countship of your City on A B, that he may hear your causes and give effect to our orders.' [Apparently this letter and the preceding relate to the same appointment. The words 'secundi ordinis' are not added to the title of the new Count when his fellow-citizens are informed of it.] 28. FORMULA ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMES TO THE CHIEF OF HIS STAFF[484]. [Footnote 484: This must, I think, be the meaning; but it is hard to extract it from the words 'Formula Principis Militum Comitivae.'] [Sidenote: Princeps Militum Comitivae.] 'Judge and Court Officer (Praesul and Miles) are terms which involve one another. The officers of the Court have no right to exist, without the Judge; he is powerless without them to execute his commands. We therefore think it well to inform you of our appointment of A B as Count over your body[485]. It is no light benefit that so long as you attend to your duty[486] you are allowed to elect the examiners.' [Footnote 485: 'Comitem Militiae Vestrae.'] [Footnote 486: 'Nec istud leve credatis beneficium, ut cum vos scitis obsequium, vobis occurrat electio cognitorum.' For Cognitores, see vii. 3. These Cognitores had virtually the decision of all 'issues of fact,' and consequently their nomination was a very important matter. I think the meaning of this passage is: 'I, the King, appoint the _Comes_ (= Judex), and graciously inform you of my decision. But you (the Officium) have the privilege--and it is no small one--of electing the _Cognitores_.'] 29. FORMULA CONCERNING THE GUARD AT THE GATES OF A CITY. [Sidenote: De Custodiendis Portis Civitatis.]