7. The answer [of the defendant] to what he has heard [read] is then to be put in writing, in presence of him who made the first representation: and then the latter shall, at once, furnish a statement in writing of the proof to support what he has asserted. 8. This being established, he succeeds in his suit; otherwise, the reverse. Thus it appears, the procedure in law-suits has four steps. 9. Let not a counter-complaint be preferred until the [original] complaint is disposed of, nor let a third person [sue] him against whom a complaint is pending.[48] The statement of the cause of suit is not to be varied.[49] 10. [The defendant] may bring a counter-plaint for abusive language,[50] or personal trespass,[50] or for acts of atrocious violence.[51] On behalf of each party, a surety, competent to meet the result of the suit, shall be bound. 11. One against whom, after [a plea of] denial, judgment is given, shall pay the amount [adjudged to the plaintiff] together with an equal sum to the monarch.[52] One who has made a false complaint, shall forfeit double the amount of his claim. 12. In a case of atrocious violence, of theft, of reviling or personal trespass,[53] where a cow is the subject, or a [malicious] charge of crime,[54] or an offence destructive of life or property[54] where a female [of the household] is the subject--[in each of these cases] the Court shall compel the parties to go to trial forthwith. In other cases, a day may be appointed at pleasure. 13. One who moves from place to place,[55] who licks the corners of his mouth, whose forehead sweats, and whose countenance changes colour. 14. who with words from a dry throat, stammering, says much that is contradictory, who makes no response to word or look, who contracts the lips-- 15. whosoever [in this wise] changes his natural manner, in the action of his mind, of his speech, and of his person, is to be set down as false in his complaint, or [if a witness] in his testimony.[56] 16. One who enforces by his own arbitrary act a claim which is denied, who absconds, or who does not respond when called--[each of these] is considered to have failed, and is amenable to punishment.[57] 17. Where there are [rival claims, and] witnesses on both sides, the witnesses of him who asserts the elder title, are to be [first] examined: if that title be admitted,[58] then the witnesses of him who claims by subsequent title [shall be examined].[59] 18. Should the suit be accompanied by a wager, [the Court] shall compel the losing party to pay the fine [prescribed],[60] as well as his wager and his debt to the creditor. 19. Let the monarch, rejecting subtleties, conduct the trial of suits upon the merits: even merits, in the absence of proof, must fail of success in the suit.