7. King Theodoric to Felix, Vir Clarissimus.

This letter will be best understood by a reference to the following pedigree:

N.

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Felix =

A daughter.

Neotherius
[a spendthrift].

Plutianus
[a minor, whose
guardian is
Venantius].

The inheritance of Plutianus.

Apparently Felix is accused by Venantius, the guardian of his young brother-in-law Plutianus, of having, on behalf of his wife, made an unfair division of the family property (which had been originally given to the father of these lads by Theodoric, as a reward for his services). In doing this he has availed himself of the spendthrift character of Neotherius, the elder brother, who was probably already of age.

Felix is severely blamed, and ordered to hand over what he has fraudulently appropriated to the official, who is charged with the execution of this mandate.

Both are summoned to the 'Comitatus' of the King, that a fair division may there be made between them.