'XII. _Epilogue._ But lest, while touching on a few points, we should be thought not to wish the laws to be observed in other matters, we declare that all the edicts of ourself and of our lord and grandfather, which were confirmed by venerable deliberation[612], and the whole body of decided law[613], be adhered to with the utmost rigour. [Footnote 612: 'Quae sunt venerabili deliberatione firmata.' Is it possible that we have here a reference to a theoretical right of the _Senate_ to concur in legislation?] [Footnote 613: 'Et usualia jura publica.' Dahn expands: 'All other juristic material, all sources of law--Roman _leges_ and _jus_, and Gothic customary law--the whole inheritance of the State in public and private law.'] 'And these laws are so scrupulously guarded that our own oath is interposed for their defence. Why enlarge further? Let the usual rule of law and the honest intent of our precepts be everywhere observed.' 19. KING ATHALARIC TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME. [Sidenote: Promulgation of the Edict.] 'Good laws are called forth by evil manners. If no complaints were ever heard, the Prince might take holiday. Stirred up by many and frequent complaints of our people, we have drawn up certain regulations necessary for the Roman peace, in our edict which is divided into twelve chapters, after the manner of the civil law[614]. We do not thereby abrogate, but rather confirm, the previously existing body of law. [Footnote 614: 'Necessaria quaedam Romanae quieti edictali programmate duodecim capitibus sicut jus civile legitur institutum in aevum servanda conscripsimus, quae custodita residuum jus non debilitare, sed potius corroborare videantur.'] 'Let this edict be read in your splendid assembly, and exhibited for thirty days by the Praefect of the City in the most conspicuous places. Thus shall our _civilitas_ be recognised, and truculent men lose their confidence. What insolent subjects[615] can indulge in violence when the Sovereign condemns it? Our armies fight that there may be peace at home. Let the Judges do their duty fearlessly, and avoid foul corruption.' [Footnote 615: Evidently aimed at the Goths.] 20. KING ATHALARIC TO ALL THE JUDGES OF THE PROVINCES. [Sidenote: The same subject.] 'It is vexatious that, though we appoint you year by year to your duties, and leave no district without its Judge, there is yet such tardiness in administering justice that suitors come by preference to our distant Court. 'To take away all excuse from you, and relieve the necessity of our subjects, we have drawn up an edict which we desire you to exhibit for thirty days in the wonted manner at all places of public meeting.' 21. KING ATHALARIC TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME. [Sidenote: Increase of salaries of grammarians.]