25. King Theodoric to Argolicus, Vir Illustris, Praefectus Urbis.

[It is to be borne in mind that the Praefectus Urbis was the Official President of the Senate.]

Petrus to be inscribed as Senator.

'Ambition ennobles man, and he who has aimed when young at high honours is often stimulated to lead a worthy life by the fact of having obtained them. We therefore look favourably on the petition of Petrus, illustrious by descent, and in gravity of character already a Senator, to enter the Sacred Order (the Senate); and we authorise your Illustrious Magnificence to inscribe his name, according to ancient custom, in the album of that body.'

[A Petrus, probably the same as the subject of this letter, was Consul in 516.]