32. King Theodoric to Gemellus, Senator. a.d. 511.

[Appointed Governor of the Gaulish Province in Letter iii. 16.]

Remission of taxes to citizens of Arles.

'The men of Arles, who were reduced to penury in the glorious siege which they endured on our behalf, are freed from the obligation of taxes for the fourth Indiction [Sept. 1, 510, to Aug. 31, 511]. We ask for these payments from men at peace, not from men besieged. How can one claim taxes from the lord of a field when one knows he has not been able to cultivate it? They have already rendered a most precious tribute in their fidelity to us. After this year, however, the taxes will be collected as usual.'