We do everything in Our power in order that the provisions by means of which We endeavor to propitiate Divine Omnipotence may be constantly improved, and shine with a brighter light. One Zozarius, a native of Mysia, has informed Us, amidst tears and earnest protestations, that he was insolently ordered by the Illustrious Governor of that Province to be sued for the discharge of certain pecuniary obligations, both public and private; that he did not think that his own property could be rendered liable for the payment of said indebtedness; that he had been treated with great injustice, and that the act bore the appearance of having been devised for the purpose of causing annoyance. For as he said, in what country can anyone who has lost his property through accident, and not on account of culpable negligence, be forced to lead an ignominious life, and be compelled (as may readily be imagined) to solicit his daily food and go without clothing?

  We, having been informed of this ill-treatment, sincerely desire to provide a remedy, for the reason that the best way for Us to conciliate God is to allow nothing disastrous to happen during Our reign; hence We forbid the most glorious or most magnificent magistrates to compel those who are brought into court to surrender their possessions for the payment of public or private pecuniary obligations, or to insult them, and allege the pretext that it is customary to remit corporeal penalties, when persons prefer to lose their property and suffer the privations of indigence to being branded with opprobrium and ignominy until death. The debtor must, however, make oath that he has no means of obtaining either property or money with which to pay his debts. Where, however, the law, either by hereditary right, or through some donation by his parents, transfers to him any chattels of which he has not yet acquired possession, but which may be considered as belonging to him, and his creditors can obtain a portion, or even all of them (with the exception of what belongs to his wife, as this is actually her own), they will be permitted to claim them, to bring suit against him who at some future time will be the owner of said property, whether he is present or absent, and (to speak more plainly) they are authorized to bring all actions and formulate all demands for property which a debtor would be entitled to do.

  Therefore Your Magnificence, as you love and cherish virtue, will cause to be carried into effect the regulations which We have so piously been pleased to prescribe. You will inflict the penalty of ten pounds of gold upon anyone who presumes to violate them, and even those who have only had the intention of disobeying what is justly enjoined by this Imperial Law will run the risk of losing their lives.