We have promulgated a law for the purpose of suppressing the avarice of creditors, who, taking advantage of the prevailing distress, acquire the lands of unfortunate farmers, and seize all their property on account of the little grain which they have furnished them; and this law, at first published in all the provinces of Thrace, We now communicate to all those of Illyria. We order that a copy of it shall be attached to the present constitution, in order that not only private individuals may be certain that its provisions are applicable not only to them, but also to soldiers who rely upon their superior influence. Your Highness is notified that this law is applicable to the inhabitants of the provinces, to soldiers, and to all officials without any exception, and We address it to you in order to warn soldiers who may think that they are not bound to comply with it, that in case of its violation, they will be deprived of their offices, reduced to the condition of private citizens, and subjected to the penalties which We have prescribed by the preceding law.