9. King Theodoric to Osuin, Vir Illustris and Comes.

Tuitio regii nominis.

[This letter is quoted by Dahn ('Könige der Germanen' iii. 117) as an illustration of 'tuitio regii nominis.']

'Maurentius and Paula, who are left orphans, inform us that their youth and helplessness expose them to the attacks of many unscrupulous persons.

'Let your Sublimity therefore cause it to be known that any suits against them must be prosecuted in our Comitatus, the place of succour for the distressed and of sharp punishment for tricksters.'