J 55 



for I think the Franks had none.) In fact there were three 

 classes ; that of the nobihty, that of freemen, and that of 

 slaves. Of matters of small importance their chiefs decided ; 

 but the more weighty were referred to a council, formed of 

 the whole tribe. By these councils state criminals were 

 tried. 



They subsisted chiefly by hunting or rapine; and though 

 they disdained agriculture, yet they divided their lands every 

 year, and raised some corn. Some subsisted on wild berries, 

 and venison and curds. Most had beer, and some wine. 



Their habitations were formed of rude materials, without 

 any cement; always filthy, as their beasts dwelled among 

 them. Some lodged in caverns or ditches covered with 

 dung. 



Their cloatJiing, a cloak or jerkin formed of the skins of 

 wild beasts. 



They were not strangers to property, for their children 

 inherited. 



For XDomen they had the highest respect ; they supposed 

 them to possess a sanctity and proudence more than human ; 

 hence they were frequently consulted. Polygamy scarce 

 ever existed, and adultery was rarely known; and when known 

 severely punished. Villeda was honoured as a goddess. 

 Aurinia and many more were merely venerated. 



X 2 Their 



