Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/356

344 though rather severe laws, until he returned with an answer from the oracle of Apollo, whom he feigned to have made them. He then went to Crete, and there abode in voluntary exile. But when he was dead the citizens brought back his bones, imagining that they were then freed from the obligation of their oath. These laws were twelve in number. The first, insisted on obedience to their princes; and enjoined princes to watch over the well-being of their subjects, and to repress injustice. The second law commanded economy; and considered war better provided for by sobriety than drunkenness. The third law, ordained rewards to be proportioned to merit. The fourth, divided the administration of government; empowering kings to make war, magistrates to give judgment, and the senate to try offenders. It also conferred upon the people permission to elect their rulers. The sixth law, apportioned lands, and settled disputed claims respecting patrimony, so that no one could become more powerful than another. The seventh, enjoined all feasts to be held in public, lest one person should be