OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.

alien, of a place at least forty miles from thecity; with whose inhabitants he must not beconnected in the third canonical degree of bloodor alliance. The election was annual: a severescrutiny was instituted into the conduct of thedeparting senator; nor could he be recalled tothe same office till after the expiration of twoyears. A liberal salary of three thousand flo-rins was assigned for his expence and reward;and his public appearance represented the ma-jesty of the republic. His robes were of goldbrocade or crimson velvet, or in the summerseason of a lighter silk; he bore in his hand anivory sceptre; the sound of trumpets announcedhis approach; and his solemn steps were pre-ceded at least by four lictors or attendants,whose red wands were enveloped with bands orstreamers of the golden colour or livery of thecity. His oath in the capitol proclaims his rightand duty, to observe and assert the laws, tocontrol the proud, to protect the poor, and toexercise justice and mercy within the extent ofhis jurisdiction. In these useful functions hewas assisted by three learned strangers, thetwo collaterals, and the judge of criminal ap-peals: their frequent trials of robberies, rapes,and murders, are attested by the laws; and theweakness of these laws connives at the licenti-ousness of private feuds and armed associationsfor mutual defence. But the senator was con-fined to the administration of justice: the capi-tol, the treasury, and the government of the city

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CHAP.

I.XX.