34. Whilst the highest and lowest alike experienced from them this
prompt administration of justice, impartial, as if from an oracle, then
their attention was devoted to the framing of laws; and the ten tables
being proposed amid the intense expectation of all, they summoned the
people to an assembly: and "what may prove favourable, advantageous, and
happy to the commonwealth themselves, and to their children, ordered
them to go and read the laws that were exhibited." "That they had
equalized the rights of all, both the highest and the lowest, as far as
could be devised by the abilities of ten men; that the understanding and
counsels of a greater number might prove more successful; that they
should turn in their minds each particular within themselves, canvass it
in conversation; and bring together under public discussion whatever
might seem an excess or deficiency under each particular. That the Roman
people should have such laws, as the general consent might appear not so
much to have ratified when proposed, as to have proposed from
themselves." When they appeared sufficiently corrected according to
public opinion (as expressed) regarding each chapter of the laws as it
was published, the laws of the ten tables were passed at the assembly
voting by centuries; which, even at the present time, amid this immense
heap of laws crowded one upon the other, still remain the source of all
public and private jurisprudence. A rumour was then spread that two
tables were wanting; on the addition of which a body, as it were, of the
whole Roman law might be completed. The expectation of this, as the day
of election approached, created a desire to appoint decemvirs again. The
commons now, besides that they detested the name of consuls as much as
that of kings, required not even the tribunitian aid, as the decemvirs
in turn submitted to appeal.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account