94 



Crimes manifestly injurious to society, were rigorously 

 punished. 



The rights of women were tolerably well secured ; poly- 

 gamy strictly forbidden ; any violence offered them was pu- 

 nishable by heavy fines. Wives brought scarce any fortune 

 to their husbands, and if ill treated, might obtain a divorce. 

 Adultery was severely punished. 



These advantages however were fully counterbalanced i)y 

 the tyranny of the governing democracy, and several out- 

 rageous and criminal practices either j^ermitted or licensed 

 by the laws. Opposite factions, headed by eloquent dema- 

 gogues, kept the city in a constant ferment. Every restraint 

 on the caprice of the multitude they grudually removed. 

 They usurped the judicial power in the first instance, and 

 many persons of the most signal virtue were unjustly con- 

 demned to death. All were liable to banishment without 

 being accused of any crime by the decree of Ostracism. 

 Nay those who chiefiy sufi'ered by it were those who being 

 most eminent lor reputation, riches, elociuence, or even vir- 

 tuous and glorious actions, excited the envy of the peofiie. 



Inhabitants of foreign extraction, who formed a conside- 

 rable ])ortion of the population, were subjected, to a distinct 

 tribute, and incapable of any employment, and were not al- 

 lowed to transact any business in their own name; thus they 

 existed in the state mcrel}* by connivance. 



Slaves 



