Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/100

 xlviii understanding the Laws, and Customs of our Empire, are Considerations of Weight with us; all these Reasons concurring, prevail upon us to allow your Issue, by this Marriage of forty Years standing, the Quality, and Privileges of their Family, and to make them as much Legitimate, as if they had been born in lawful Wedlock.

He moderated the Charge of Publick Solemnities, and Entertainments, and lessen'd the Number of the Roman Shews, that by this means he might hinder his Subjects from being over-fond of trifling Diversions, and prevent their Ruin by such unnecessary Expence, and which was often manag'd so unluckily, as to create Mortal Feuds between the best Families. He likewise regulated the Players Salary, and order'd it not to exceed such a Sum.

He took great Care to keep the Streets, and High-ways in good Repair; He reform'd the Abuses at Auctions, and restrain'd the "Bankers" from taking unreasonable Interest. He very much mollified the Rigour of the Law by which Aliens who were either Legatees, or Heirs were oblig'd to pay the twentieth part of what fell to them, into the Exchequer; tho' this burthen had been in some Measure made lighter by the Emperour Trajan. He also provided that Children should inherit