27/40 Since the orator, in the king's presence, could mention and praise his mother, we may conclude that the magnanimity of Theodoric was not hurt by the vulgar reproaches of concubine and bastard. * Note: Gibbon here assumes that the mother of Theodoric was the concubine of Theodemir, which he leaves doubtful in the text .-- M.] [Footnote 20: This anecdote is related on the modern but respectable authority of Sigonius, (Op.tom.i.p.580. xv.:) his words are curious: "Would you return ?" &c. |