We have ascertained that, in spite of the punishment inflicted by Our Lord God, persons engaged in trade and literary pursuits, as well as artisans and agriculturists of different kinds, and sailors, when they should lead better lives, have devoted themselves to the acquisition of gain, and demand double and triple wages and salaries, in violation of ancient customs.

  Hence it has seemed advisable to Us, by means of this Imperial Edict, to forbid all persons to yield to the detestable passion of avarice; in order that no one who is the master of any art or trade, or any merchant of any description, or anyone engaged in agricultural pursuits, may, hereafter, demand as salary or wages more than ancient custom prescribes. We also decree that the measurers of buildings, tillable land, and other property, shall not charge more for their services than is just and that they shall observe the established practice in this respect. We order that these rules shall be observed by those who have control of the work, as well as by those who purchase the materials. We do not permit them to pay more than is authorized by common usage. They are hereby notified that anyone who demands more than this, and who is convicted of having accepted or given more than was agreed upon in the beginning, will be compelled to pay three times the amount to the Treasury.

  We order that all violations of this law shall be ascertained and punished, and that the pecuniary penalty imposed by it shall be collected by Your Excellency and the Most Glorious Prefect of this Most Fortunate City, for We desire to exact from violators of this Our Edict the fine for which they are liable, and have them subjected to punishment. All officials belonging to Your Court shall incur a penalty of five pounds of gold if they fail to enforce any one of these regulations.