24. Formula addressed to the Gentlemen-Farmers (or the Titled Cultivators) and Common Councilmen[458] of the City of Naples [and surrounding District].

Honorati Possessores et Curiales Civitatis Neapolitanae.

'You pay us tribute, but we have conferred honours upon you. We are now sending you a Comes [the one appointed in the previous formula], but he will be a terror only to the evil-disposed. Do you live according to reason, since you are reasonable beings, and then the laws may take holiday. Your quietness is our highest joy[459].'

25 is entitled, 'Formula de Comitiva Principis Militum;' but this is evidently an inaccurate, or at least an insufficient title.

Doubtful.

The letter, though very short, is obscure.

It starts with the maxim that every staff of officials ought to have its own Judge[460], and then, apparently, proceeds to make an exception to this rule by making the persons addressed—the civil or military functionaries of Naples—subject to the Comes Neapolitanus who was appointed by the Twenty-third Formula. No reason is given for this exception, except an unintelligible one about preserving the yearly succession of Judges[461]; but the persons are assured that their salaries shall be safe[462].