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 THE NINTH BOOK 221 now Childebert has demanded nothing, and this city has not groaned with the burden of tribute. It is now for your decision whether to assess tribute or not ; but be careful lest you do some harm if you plan to go against his oath." When I had said this they answered : ''Behold, we have the book in our hands in which a tax was imposed on this people." But I said: "This book was not brought from the king's treasury and it has had no authority for many years. It is no wonder, considering the enmities among these citizens, if it has been kept in some one's house. God will give judgment on those who have brought out this book after so long a time to despoil our citizens." And while this was going on the son of Audinus, who had brought out the book, was seized with a fever on the very day and died three days after. We then sent messengers to the king asking him to send his commands on this matter. And they at once sent a letter ordering that out of respect for Saint Martin the people of Tours should not be assessed. Upon receipt of the letter the men who had come for this purpose returned home. [31. An expedition of king Gunthram against Septimania is defeated. 32. Misunderstanding between Childebert and Gun- thram. 33. Quarrel between Ingytrude, head of the convent within St. Martin's walls, and her daughter.] 34. Rigunda, daughter of Chilperic, often made malicious charges against her mother and said that she was mistress and that her mother ought to serve her, and often attacked her with abuse and sometimes struck and slapped her, and her mother said to her: "Why do you annoy me, daughter? Come, take your father's things that I have and do as you please with them." And she went into the store-room and opened a chest quite full of neck- laces and costly jewels. For a long time she took them out one by one and handed them to her daughter but finally said : "I am tired ; you put in your hand and take what you find." And she thrust in her arm and was taking things from the chest when her mother seized the lid and slammed it down on her head. And she was holding it down firmly and the lower board was pressing against her daughter's throat so that her eyes were actually ready to pop out when one of the maids who was within called loudly : "Run, I beg you, run; my mistress is being choked to death by