Our solicitude for our subjects induces us, as we have already made laws to suppress litigation, to promulgate other regulations for the maintenance of protection and safety in the presence of war. For peace is the more easily preserved, and the common benefit more readily secured, where every one is compelled to perform his duty; and this may be best accomplished when omissions in former laws are remedied by the enactment of others hereafter. For this reason we desire to abolish such evil customs as are injurious to the interests of our country, through the neglect or ill conduct of our subjects. For, whenever an enemy invades the provinces of our kingdom, the urgent necessity of defence imposes itself upon those who inhabit the border, and, at such times, many of them, induced by hatred, or through treachery, disappear; so that, by this means, there is no mutual support in battle; and, under such circumstances, he who ought to give his service in the defence of his country, deserts his brethren; or, on the other hand, should he attack the enemy with too great audacity, while not properly supported, he runs imminent risk of being destroyed. We therefore decree that from this time henceforth, if any enemy should attack our country, all of our subjects, whether they be bishops or other members of the clergy, generals, or governors, as well as other officials of every rank who are in the public service, and whether, at the time, they are near the frontier invaded by the enemy, or within a hundred miles of the same, as soon as the necessity shall arise, and they shall be notified by their generals, governors, or any other officers; or whether information of said invasion shall come to their notice from any other quarter whatsoever; if they do not hasten to the defence of their country and of our people, and do not assist in such defence with all their valor and ability; or, upon any fraudulent pretext, or with any false excuse, attempt to escape their responsibility, so that their assistance may be lacking to their brethren in the protection of their country, and the enemy, by reason of their want of co-operation, should commit any injury in any province of our kingdom, or reduce any of its inhabitants to captivity; anyone who thus, through delay, fear, malice, or lukewarmness, fails to exert himself, with all his power, against our enemies for national defence, if he be a priest, or belong to any sacerdotal order, and does not have the means to satisfy the damages incurred by the invasion of said enemy, he shall be exiled to such place as the king may select. This sentence shall be imposed only upon bishops, priests, and deacons. All other members of the clergy shall undergo the sentence elsewhere prescribed for the laity.