Many legislative provisions which were formerly enforced are at present neglected, and not readily observed by the government, nor are they any longer considered laws, or regarded as forming any part of legislation. We are aware that there was formerly a species of prefecture which was designated honorary, and was conferred by commissions granted by the government, which was so called because it only bestowed honor upon those to whom it was given, and did not release them from curial obligations unless they actually discharged official duties; and, so far as the most glorious generals of the army are concerned, We know that none of them is released from the requirements of the curial condition unless he performs the functions of his office (the laws state that the command of soldiers is a prefecture, and that the simple commissions granted to officers only confer rank, without releasing them from liability), thus with regard to the prefectures, in order that anyone may be released from his condition, it is necessary for him to be appointed to actively exercise the duties of his office.

  Therefore We renew the law relating to this subject, and decree that whenever it seems proper for the government to honor a de-curion, and enable him to be released from the obligations of his status, and it grants him a commission of administration, it prepares him to occupy the Urban Prefecture of either Ancient or Modern Rome, or one of the Praetorian Tribunals of the East or West, as well as Lybia and Illyria, all of which God has subjected to Our dominion; and that by this means he may enjoy freedom, as those who are raised to such eminence have a right to ride in chariots, hear the proclamations of public criers, occupy the chairs of judges, and in this way be released from the requirements of their order. When, however, the government only wishes them to be invested with the dignity of the office, commissions to this effect shall be issued and given to them; and the Imperial generosity shall only cause the person who is thus distinguished to be regarded as a member of the great curia, but not released from the duties of the provincial one, nor have his name erased from the tablet; but he shall continue in his former condition, and only enjoy the honor of the position, and must render thanks to God as well as to the government which has caused him to be promoted to a post of greater tranquillity and distinction. This shall be considered an act of Imperial munificence which does not affect the rights of the public, deprive the decurion of his condition, or release him from the duties to which he is accustomed ; and he who is worthy of it shall receive this honor as an addition to that of his former status, and will be entitled to greater eminence, but will only take precedence of other decurions.

  Your Highness will hasten to cause what We have been pleased to enact to be observed, being aware that We do not diminish the privileges of decurions, but, on the other hand, render the office more honorable; in order that the cities may learn from your proclamations what the government has decreed.