A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Justice; ''Companionship" 547
king, or one of the chief men according to claims of age,
hneage, or military glory, receives a hearing, which he
obtains more by power of persuasion than by any right of
command. If the opinion expressed displeases, their murmurs
reject it; if they approve, they clash their spears.
Such applause is
considered the most honorable form of
assent.
At the meeting charges involving risk of capital punish- Punishment
may be brought. The punishment fits the crime.
They hang traitors and deserters on trees; cowards and
they plunge into a muddy swamp
cravens and evil-livers
and put a hurdle on the top. These different penalties
imply the distinction that crimes in being punished ought
to be made public, while shameful offences ought to be
concealed. They have also for lighter offences proportionate
penalties; if convicted, they are fined a certain
number of horses or cattle. Part of the fine is paid to the
king or community, part to the injured man or his kinsmen.
In these same meetings they choose chiefs who administer
justice in the shires and villages. Each of these is accompanied
by a hundred companions of the common people,
who give him both advice and authority.
III.
"Companionship"
Thev do no business public or private except in arms. The youth
D6C0D36S £L
But their custom is that no one may carry arms until the man.
community has approved his ability. Then before the Tac. Germ.
whole assembly either one of the chief men or the father ^^
or some kinsman adorns the young warrior with shield
and spear. This panoply is their "toga," youth's first
honor. Before this he is a member of the household, now
a member of the state. Distinguished lineage or great
services done by ancestors sometimes win for mere boys