The truculent impulses of the barbarian rabble, never entirely extinguished, were quietly, but effectually, restrained by their judicious display of gentleness, firmness, and devotion. By anointing the sovereign with holy oil, at his coronation, they confirmed his title, and instituted a ceremony which came to be regarded as essential to the royal accession. As they possessed a monopoly of the meagre knowledge of the age, they enjoyed an immense advantage over all other classes, which they did not hesitate to employ, by every available means, for the maintenance and perpetuation of their authority. Thus, under the Arian system, the government of the clergy was, all things considered, highly salutary. With the conversion of the nation to the Catholic communion, the organization of the hierarchy was little altered; but a far different spirit animated the legislative assemblies. Heresy was punished by the most barbarous laws. The Jews, whose wealth and intelligence had long been conspicuous in the Peninsula, were made the subjects of legal enactments especially devised to deprive them of their property and their liberty. Every expedient was employed to bring them within the pale of the Church. Authority over them was vested in the priesthood, and where a Jew was tried for a criminal offence, it was provided that an ecclesiastic should always be present. Such Jews as refused to profess Christianity were subjected to the most stringent and harassing regulations. They were placed under the constant supervision of spies. Exorbitant taxes were levied upon them, and, in addition to their own, they were compelled to pay those of their apostate brethren. They were not permitted to testify in the courts, to sue, or to defend an action at law, unless the adverse party was one of their own sect. Under the pretence of loans, enormous sums were wrung from their unwilling hands. By means of frivolous pretexts and false accusations, they were frequently reduced to servitude. The laws even went so far as to prohibit them from entertaining thoughts relative to the customs and observances of their sect. Yet, under all these oppressive restrictions, the Hebrews prospered. They were the wealthiest class in the kingdom, and well understood how to employ their riches for their own preservation and profit; while the heavy penalties prescribed for the bribery of judges and other officials, indicate how common and widespread was the influence of such corruption. The extraordinary intelligence and information of the Jew rendered his advice and assistance always acceptable, and often indispensable, to the ignorant and profligate noble; services which were often requited with open protection. Nor was this tolerance and partiality confined to the laity. Not only were the clergy often remiss in enforcing the laws against the Hebrews, but the Code specifically and significantly prohibits their intimacy with Jewish women. In certain offences