Although the following provision is apparently plausible, and has been legally enacted, still, it seems to me to exceed the bounds of equity; for it declares that slaves shall not be permitted to dispose of their property, and, even though it may have been obtained by their arduous labors, and with many privations, their masters shall be entitled to it. And, indeed, it is surprising that the law originally enacted on this subject was not drawn up with more moderation and justice, and that those responsible for the same adopted it, just as if it had been framed by others. Moreover, I do not approve of this law and I shall not permit it to apply to my slaves; but, on the contrary, I grant them full authority to manage their own estates, and, hereafter, the slaves of the Emperor shall be the actual owners of their property; so that, when they are in health, or ill, if they think that they are in danger of death, they shall not be deprived of the power of disposing of their property in any way that they may desire, and the ownership of whatever they possess shall not be taken from them under the pretext of servitude. Therefore, this law shall be applicable to Imperial slaves. Magistrates, and the remainder of the people, however, shall have the power to observe the ancient statutes having reference to the property of slaves, when they are not willing to acquiesce in this Our decree.