Decretum De Rebus Dei Et Ecclesiae Non Abstrahendis

Coptic	Rendering	Count	First
no glossary terms recorded

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:1 · narrativemedium

Source

DECRETUM DE REBUS DEI ET ECCLESIAE NON ABSTRAHENDIS (Wilkins., Legum Vett. Anglor. Collect. t. I, p. 1.) Haec sunt judicia quae a Ethelbertus rex constituit Augustini diebus. I. Dei peculium et Ecclesiae duodecies emendetur; episcopi peculium undecies emendetur; sacerdotis peculium novies emendetur; diaconi peculium sexies emendetur; clerici peculium ter emendetur, ecclesiae pax bis emendetur; monasterii pax bis emendetur. II. Si rex populum suum ad se vocaverit, et ipsis quis ibi malefecerit, dupliciter compensetur, et regi L solidi solvantur. III. Si rex in alicujus domo convivetur, et ibi aliquis damni quid fecerit, duplici emendatione emendet. IV. Si liber homo regi furto quid auferat a, novena compensatione compenset. V. Si in regis villa aliquis hominem occiderit, L solidis emendet b. VI. Si quis hominem liberum occiderit, rex L solidos pro dominio recipiat.

English

DECREE CONCERNING THE PROPERTY OF GOD AND THE CHURCH NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY (Wilkins, Collection of the Ancient Laws of the English, vol. I, p. 1.) These are the judgments which King Æthelberht established in the days of Augustine. I. The property of God and of the Church shall be compensated twelvefold; the property of a bishop shall be compensated elevenfold; the property of a priest shall be compensated ninefold; the property of a deacon shall be compensated sixfold; the property of a cleric shall be compensated threefold; the peace of the church shall be compensated twofold; the peace of a monastery shall be compensated twofold. II. If the king summons his people to himself, and anyone there does harm to them, it shall be compensated twofold, and fifty shillings shall be paid to the king. III. If the king dines in someone’s house, and anyone there does some damage, he shall make amends with double compensation. IV. If a free man steals anything from the king by theft, he shall make compensation with ninefold restitution. V. If anyone kills a man in the king’s town, he shall make amends with fifty shillings. VI. If anyone kills a free man, the king shall receive fifty shillings for the lordship.

Commentary

backgroundexternalEthelbertus rex

Æthelberht (also spelled Ethelbert) is a Latinized form of the Old English name Æthelberht, likely referring to a Kentish king, possibly Æthelberht I (fl. 6th century) or a later figure; the association with Augustine suggests the early Christianization of Kent.

termtextDei peculium et Ecclesiae

Peculium here denotes property or goods, a term from Roman law meaning private property; in this context, it refers to the possessions of God (i.e., the Church) and the Church as an institution, emphasizing sacred ownership.

structuretextHaec sunt judicia

The opening formula 'Haec sunt judicia' (These are the judgments) is typical of early medieval law codes, presenting the decrees as a list of tariffs or penalties, not as narrative legislation.

backgroundexternalAugustini diebus

The reference to 'the days of Augustine' points to Augustine of Canterbury (d. 604/605), the first Archbishop of Canterbury, sent by Pope Gregory I to convert the Anglo-Saxons. This dates the decree to the late 6th or early 7th century.

receptionexternalWilkins., Legum Vett. Anglor. Collect.

The source is David Wilkins' 'Legum Vett. Anglor. Collect.' (1721), a collection of ancient English laws. This edition is a key witness for the transmission of Anglo-Saxon legal texts, though Wilkins' transcriptions may contain errors.

named: Wilkins 1721

cautiontexta novena compensatione compenset

The phrase 'novena compensatione' (ninefold compensation) is unusual; the Latin 'novena' may be a scribal error for 'nonupla' (ninefold) or a variant spelling. The sense is clear, but the form is non-classical.

Open questions · 2

The identity of 'Ethelbertus rex' is uncertain; it may be Æthelberht I of Kent (fl. 560s) or a later king, but the association with Augustine suggests a date around 600.
The phrase 'ecclesiae pax' and 'monasterii pax' (peace of the church/monastery) may refer to a specific legal concept of sanctuary or protected peace, but the text does not define it.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:2 · narrativehigh

Source

VII. Si quis regii praefecti fabrorum aut pincernae famulos occiderit, moderatam mulctam ordinariam (c leodgelde) solvat. VIII. Regis patrocinium violatum L solidis compensetur. IX. Si liber homo a libero quid furetur, triplici ter emendet, et rex habeat mulctam, et omnia ejus bona. X. Si quis cum regis ancilla virgine e concubuerit, L solidis emendet. XI. Si ea molens serva sit, XXV solidis emendet, si ea tertiae sortis, XII solidis. XII. Regis obsonatrix XX solidis compensetur. XIII. Si quis in comitis villa aliquem occiderit, XII solidis compenset a. XIV. Si cum comitis pocillatrice quis concubuerit, XII solidis compenset. XV. Plebeii patrocinium violatum VI solidis emendetur. XVI. Si cum plebeii pocillatrice quis concubuerit, VI solidis emendet, pro alia serva L scaettas, pro tertiae sortis XXX scaettas solvat. XVII. Si quis in domum alicujus primus ingredietur, VI solidis emendet; qui secundus ingredietur, III solidis, deinde unusquisque solido b.

English

VII. If anyone kills a servant of the king’s reeve, or of his butler, he shall pay an ordinary moderate fine (c leodgelde). VIII. Violation of the king’s protection shall be compensated with 50 shillings. IX. If a free man steals anything from a free man, he shall make amends threefold, and the king shall have the fine and all his goods. X. If anyone lies with a virgin maidservant of the king, he shall pay 50 shillings. XI. If she is a grinding slave, he shall pay 25 shillings; if she is of the third class, 12 shillings. XII. The king’s female provisioner shall be compensated with 20 shillings. XIII. If anyone kills someone in the villa of a count, he shall pay 12 shillings. XIV. If anyone lies with a count’s cupbearer, he shall pay 12 shillings. XV. Violation of a commoner’s protection shall be compensated with 6 shillings. XVI. If anyone lies with a commoner’s cupbearer, he shall pay 6 shillings; for another slave, 50 sceattas; for one of the third class, 30 sceattas. XVII. If anyone enters someone’s house first, he shall pay 6 shillings; whoever enters second, 3 shillings; then each one, 1 shilling.

Commentary

termtextc leodgelde

The Old English term 'leodgelde' (here in a Latin gloss) denotes a customary wergild or composition payment according to rank. Its insertion clarifies the nature of the 'moderata mulcta ordinaria'.

termtextscaettas

'Scaettas' (Latinised Old English 'sceattas') refers to small silver coins, distinct from the shilling. The shift from shillings to sceattas in XVI indicates a lower-value payment scale for certain slaves.

backgroundtextregis ancilla virgine

The graded fines for sexual offences against royal female slaves (X–XI) reflect a hierarchy of status: virgin, grinding slave, and third-class slave. This mirrors early Anglo-Saxon social stratification found in law-codes.

structuretextVII–XVII

The passage moves from offences against royal officials and property (VII–XII) to those involving counts and commoners (XIII–XVII), with fines decreasing by social rank. This hierarchical arrangement is typical of early medieval law-codes.

paralleltextpatrocinium violatum

The concept of 'patrocinium violatum' (violated protection) appears in other early Germanic codes, such as the Lex Salica, where breach of the king's peace or protection incurs a heavy fine. Here it is graded by the protector's rank.

cautiontextc leodgelde

The gloss 'c leodgelde' may be a later scribal insertion, as it is not integrated into the Latin syntax. Its presence suggests a bilingual or glossed manuscript tradition, but the original reading is uncertain.

Open questions · 1

The phrase 'c leodgelde' is a gloss; its exact relationship to the Latin text is unclear. 'Comitis' in XIII and XIV may mean 'count' or 'earl', but the precise office is ambiguous. The term 'obsonatrix' (XII) is rare; it likely means 'female provisioner' but could also denote a cook or steward.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:3 · narrativemedium

Source

XVIII. Si quis aliquibus arma accommodet ubi rixa est, et nihil mali patretur, VI solidis compenset. XIX. Si latrocinium factum sit, VI solidis emendet. XX. Si quis autem aliquem occiderit, XX solidis emendet. XXI. Si quis aliquem occiderit, moderatam mulctam ordinariam solidos compenset. XXII. Si quis aliquem occiderit ad apertum sepulcrum, XX solidos compenser, et intra XL dies totam mulctam ordinariam compenset. XXIII. Si homicida patria exierit, cognati ejus mediam ordinariam mulctam solvant. XXIV. Si quis ingenuum hominem vinxerit, xx solidos compenset. XXV. Si quis plebeii convictorem occiderit, VI solidis emendet. XXVI. Si hospes autem occiderit primarium convictorem, LXXX solidis emendet. XXVII. Si autem secundum occiderit, LX solidis compenset, tertium autem XL solidis compenset. XXVIII. Si liber homo septi violationem fecerit, VI solidis emendet.

English

XVIII. If anyone lends weapons to others where there is a quarrel, and no evil is perpetrated, he shall compensate with 6 shillings. XIX. If theft has been committed, he shall make amends with 6 shillings. XX. If, however, anyone has killed someone, he shall make amends with 20 shillings. XXI. If anyone has killed someone, he shall compensate with an ordinary moderate fine. XXII. If anyone has killed someone at an open grave, he shall compensate with 20 shillings, and within 40 days he shall compensate the entire ordinary fine. XXIII. If the homicide has left the country, his relatives shall pay half the ordinary fine. XXIV. If anyone has bound a free man, he shall compensate with 20 shillings. XXV. If anyone has killed a commoner’s retainer, he shall make amends with 6 shillings. XXVI. If, however, a guest has killed a chief retainer, he shall make amends with 80 shillings. XXVII. If, moreover, he has killed a second, he shall compensate with 60 shillings; if a third, however, he shall compensate with 40 shillings. XXVIII. If a free man has committed a breach of an enclosure, he shall make amends with 6 shillings.

Commentary

sensetextmoderatam mulctam ordinariam

The phrase 'moderatam mulctam ordinariam' in XXI appears to be a Latin gloss or variant for the standard wergeld, possibly a translation of the Old English 'c leodgelde' mentioned in the previous passage. It may indicate a fixed sum, but the amount is not specified here.

termtextplebeii convictorem

'Plebeii convictorem' likely means 'retainer of a commoner' (plebeius). The term 'convictor' (from Latin 'convivere') may denote a household companion or dependent, not a criminal.

termtextprimarium convictorem

'Primarium convictorem' probably means 'chief retainer' or 'first-rank dependent'. The scale of fines (80, 60, 40 shillings) in XXVI–XXVII suggests a hierarchy of retainers with different wergelds.

structuretext

Passage XX–XXII presents a textual problem: XX and XXI both begin 'Si quis aliquem occiderit' but prescribe different penalties (20 solidi vs. 'moderatam mulctam ordinariam'). This may reflect a scribal duplication or a distinction between types of homicide not fully preserved.

backgroundtextad apertum sepulcrum

Killing 'at an open grave' (XXII) likely refers to a homicide during a funeral or burial, considered an aggravated offense. The additional penalty and 40-day payment period may reflect ecclesiastical influence on Anglo-Saxon law.

cautiontextXX. Si quis autem aliquem occiderit

The Latin 'autem' in XX is a misspelling of 'autem' for 'autem' (but), likely a scribal error for 'autem' (autem). The text is otherwise consistent in style.

Open questions · 1

The relationship between XX and XXI is unclear: they may be variant readings or distinct provisions. The term 'moderatam mulctam ordinariam' in XXI is not defined in the passage. The identity of 'hospes' (guest) in XXVI is ambiguous—it may mean a foreigner or a visitor.

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Source

XXIX. Si quis rem intus servatam abstulerit, is triplici compensatione emendet. XXX. Si liber homo septum superaverit, IV solidis emendet. XXXI. Si quis aliquem occiderit, proprio sensu (d agene scaete) et proba pecunia quemlibet compenset. XXXII. Si liber homo cum liberi hominis uxore concubuerit, ejus capitale redimat, et aliam uxorem propria pecunia mercetur, et illi alteri eam e adducat. XXXIII. Si quis dextrum femur lancea transpunxerit, valore suo illud compenset a. XXXIV. Si comae prehensio fiat, L scaettae ad emendationem solvantur. XXXV. Si os appareat, III solidis compenset. XXXVI. Si os(??)laedatur, IV solidis compenset. XXXVII. Si id penitus ipsi rumpatur, X solidis compenset. XXXVIII. Si utrumque fiat, XX solidis compenset. XXXIX. Si humerus claudicans reddatur, XX solidis compenset. XL. Si altera auris nihil audit, XXV solidis compenset.

English

XXIX. If anyone has carried off something kept within, he shall make amends with triple compensation. XXX. If a free man has climbed over an enclosure, he shall make amends with 4 shillings. XXXI. If anyone has killed someone, he shall compensate each person according to his own judgment (d agene scaete) and with proper money. XXXII. If a free man has lain with the wife of a free man, he shall redeem her wergild, and shall purchase another wife with his own money, and shall lead her to that other man. XXXIII. If anyone has pierced the right thigh with a lance, he shall compensate it according to its value. XXXIV. If a seizing of hair occurs, 50 scaettas shall be paid as compensation. XXXV. If a bone appears, he shall compensate with 3 shillings. XXXVI. If a bone is injured, he shall compensate with 4 shillings. XXXVII. If it is completely broken, he shall compensate with 10 shillings. XXXVIII. If both happen, he shall compensate with 20 shillings. XXXIX. If a shoulder is rendered lame, he shall compensate with 20 shillings. XL. If one ear hears nothing, he shall compensate with 25 shillings.

Commentary

termtextd agene scaete

The Old English phrase 'd agene scaete' (literally 'his own scaett') is glossed in the Latin as 'proprio sensu' ('according to his own judgment'), but the English draft renders it as 'according to his own judgment'. The term 'scaett' is a monetary unit, suggesting the original meaning may have been 'with his own money'.

termtextscaettae

'Scaettae' (genitive plural of 'scaett') is an Old English coin denomination, here used in the Latin text as a loanword. Its value relative to the shilling is uncertain, but it appears in other early English law codes as a small silver coin.

backgroundtextXXXII

Chapter XXXII prescribes a form of compensation for adultery involving the purchase of a new wife for the wronged husband. This reflects early Germanic legal practice where marriage was a property arrangement and wergild (here 'capitale') was a standard compensation for loss of a person.

structuretextXXIX–XL

Chapters XXIX–XL form a tariff list of compensations for specific offenses, typical of early Germanic law codes. The fines escalate from theft (triple compensation) to homicide (judgment-based) and bodily injuries (fixed sums), with a shift from general to specific injuries in XXXV–XL.

cautiontextXXXI

The Latin 'proprio sensu' is ambiguous: it may mean 'according to his own judgment' (as in the English draft) or 'with his own property' (cf. 'propria pecunia' in XXXII). The Old English gloss 'd agene scaete' supports the latter, but the Latin syntax leaves the meaning uncertain.

cautiontextXXXVI

The Latin 'os(??)laedatur' is corrupt; the parenthetical '(??)' indicates a lacuna or illegible character in the manuscript. The intended reading is likely 'os laedatur' ('a bone is injured'), as in the English draft, but the exact wording is uncertain.

Open questions · 3

The phrase 'proprio sensu' in XXXI may mean 'according to his own judgment' or 'with his own property'; the Old English gloss supports the latter, but the Latin is ambiguous.
The term 'os(??)laedatur' in XXXVI is corrupt; the intended reading is probably 'os laedatur'.
The value of the 'scaett' relative to the shilling is not specified in this passage.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:5 · narrativehigh

Source

XLI. Si auris abscindatur, XII solidis emendetur. XLII. Si auris perforetur, III solidis compenset. XLIII. Si auris attondeatur, VI solidis emendetur. XLIV. Si oculus excutiatur, L solidis compenset. XLV. Si os aut oculus damno afficiatur, XX soli dis emendetur. XLVI. Si nasus perforetur, IX solidis emendetur. XLVII. Si sit una membrana, III solidis compen set. XLVIII. Si ambae perforatae sint, VI solidis emen detur. XLIX. Si nares singulae attondeantur, unaquaeque VI solidis emendetur. L. Si perforentur, VI solidis emendetur. LI. Qui menti os absciderit, XX solidis compenset. LII. Pro quatuor dentibus prioribus, pro singulis VI solidi; pro dente qui tunc proximus est, IV solidi; pro eo qui tunc juxta stat, III solidi, et deinceps pro singulis solidus; si elocutio deterior fiat, XII solidi; si maxilla fracta fuerit, VI solidi compensentur.

English

XLI. If an ear is cut off, it shall be compensated with 12 shillings. XLII. If an ear is pierced, he shall make amends with 3 shillings. XLIII. If an ear is shorn, it shall be compensated with 6 shillings. XLIV. If an eye is struck out, he shall make amends with 50 shillings. XLV. If a mouth or an eye is injured, it shall be compensated with 20 shillings. XLVI. If a nose is pierced, it shall be compensated with 9 shillings. XLVII. If it is one nostril, he shall make amends with 3 shillings. XLVIII. If both are pierced, it shall be compensated with 6 shillings. XLIX. If individual nostrils are shorn, each one shall be compensated with 6 shillings. L. If they are pierced, it shall be compensated with 6 shillings. LI. Whoever has cut off a chin, he shall make amends with 20 shillings. LII. For four front teeth, for each 6 shillings; for the tooth which is then next, 4 shillings; for the one which then stands next, 3 shillings, and thereafter for each one a shilling; if speech is made worse, 12 shillings; if a jaw is broken, 6 shillings shall be compensated.

Commentary

structuretextXLI–LII

This passage forms a tariff of bodily injuries, continuing the pattern of earlier canons. Each canon prescribes a fixed monetary compensation for a specific injury, with amounts varying by severity and body part.

termtextauris

The Latin 'auris' (ear) appears in canons XLI–XLIII, with three distinct injuries: cutting off (abscindatur), piercing (perforetur), and shearing (attondeatur). The graduated fines (12, 3, 6 solidi) reflect the perceived severity of each injury.

termtextmembrana

In canon XLVII, 'membrana' (membrane) refers to a nostril, as clarified by the context of nasal injuries in canons XLVI–L. The term is unusual and may reflect a technical or colloquial usage.

backgroundtextsolidis

The solidus was a late Roman gold coin, widely used in early medieval legal tariffs. Its value here is notional, serving as a unit of account for compensation rather than a specific coin in circulation.

paralleltextLII

Canon LII's graduated scale for teeth (6, 4, 3, 1 solidi) and additional fines for impaired speech (12 solidi) and broken jaw (6 solidi) closely parallels the tariff in the early Anglo-Saxon law of Æthelberht (c. 600), suggesting a common Germanic legal tradition.

cautiontextLII

The Latin of canon LII is syntactically loose: 'pro dente qui tunc proximus est' and 'pro eo qui tunc juxta stat' may refer to the same tooth or to adjacent teeth. The translation assumes a sequence from front to back, but the original intent is ambiguous.

Open questions · 2

Canon LII: the phrases 'pro dente qui tunc proximus est' and 'pro eo qui tunc juxta stat' may describe two distinct teeth or the same tooth; the translation treats them as sequential, but the Latin is ambiguous.
Canon XLV: 'os aut oculus' could mean 'mouth or eye' (as translated) or 'bone or eye'; the context of facial injuries supports 'mouth'.

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Source

LIII. Qui brachium pertundit, VI solidis compenset. Si brachium fractum fuerit, VI solidis emendetur. LIV. Si pollex abscindatur, XX solidis; si pollicis unguis abscindatur, III solidis emendetur; si quis indicem digitum absciderit, VIII solidis compenset; si quis medium digitum absciderit, IV solidis compenset; si quis digitum annularem absciderit, VI solidis compenset; si quis autem minimum digitum absciderit, XI solidis compenset. LV. Pro unguibus singulis solidus compensetur. LVI. Pro minimo naevo III solidi, et pro majoribus VI solidi. LVII. Si quis alteri pugno nasum verberet, III solidi. LVIII. Si plaga sit, solido; si elata manu plagam exceperit, solido compenset. LIX. Si plaga nigra sit extra vestes, XXX scaettis emendet; si sit intra vestes, quaelibet XX scaettis emendetur. LX. Si diaphragma vulneretur, XII solidis compenset; si perforetur, XX solidis emendet.

English

LIII. Whoever pierces an arm shall compensate with 6 shillings. If an arm is broken, it shall be amended with 6 shillings. LIV. If a thumb is cut off, with 20 shillings; if a thumbnail is cut off, it shall be amended with 3 shillings; if anyone cuts off an index finger, he shall compensate with 8 shillings; if anyone cuts off a middle finger, he shall compensate with 4 shillings; if anyone cuts off a ring finger, he shall compensate with 6 shillings; if anyone cuts off the little finger, he shall compensate with 11 shillings. LV. For each fingernail, a shilling shall be compensated. LVI. For the smallest blemish, 3 shillings, and for larger ones, 6 shillings. LVII. If anyone strikes another’s nose with a fist, 3 shillings. LVIII. If there is a wound, a shilling; if he receives a wound from a raised hand, he shall compensate with a shilling. LIX. If a wound is black outside the clothes, he shall amend with 30 scaettas; if it is inside the clothes, each shall be amended with 20 scaettas. LX. If the diaphragm is wounded, he shall compensate with 12 shillings; if it is perforated, he shall amend with 20 shillings.

Commentary

termtextscaettis

The term 'scaettis' (ablative plural of 'scaetta') refers to a small silver coin, the sceat, used in early Anglo-Saxon England. Its value relative to the shilling is not fixed in this text.

structuretext

This passage continues the tariff system for bodily injuries, with fines escalating by severity and body part. The progression from arm to fingers to wounds and internal injuries shows a systematic legal code.

paralleltext

The graduated fines for fingers (thumb 20s, index 8s, middle 4s, ring 6s, little 11s) closely parallel those in the early Kentish laws of Æthelberht (Laws of Æthelberht, c. 600), suggesting a common legal tradition.

named: Æthelberht's Laws

backgroundtext

The use of 'scaettis' (sceattas) alongside shillings reflects the mixed currency system of early Anglo-Saxon England, where both coinages circulated. The ratio of 30 sceattas to a shilling is implied by LIX.

cautiontextdiaphragma

The term 'diaphragma' (Greek loanword) is ambiguous: it may mean the midriff or diaphragm, but in early medieval legal texts it sometimes refers to the peritoneum or abdominal wall. The distinction affects the severity of the injury.

Open questions · 2

The exact value of a 'scaetta' relative to a shilling is not stated; the ratio 30:1 is inferred from LIX but not explicit.
The term 'diaphragma' may refer to the diaphragm or to the abdominal wall; the precise anatomical referent is uncertain.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:7 · narrativemedium

Source

LXI. Si quis claudicans reddatur, XXX solidis emendetur. LXII. Si callum quis vulneraverit, III solidis emendet. LXIII. Si cui genitale membrum abscindatur, triplici mulcta ordinaria illud compensetur; si pertusum sit, VI solidis emendet; si quis inciderit, VI solidis compenset. LXIV. Si femur ruptum fuerit, XII solidis compensetur; si is claudus fiat, ibi amici judicare debent. LXV. Si costa rumpatur, III solidis compenset. LXVI. Si femur quis transpunxerit, quaelibet incisio VI solidis compensetur; si supra pollicem penetret, solido; pro duobus pollicibus duo, supra, tres III solidi solvantur. LXVII. Si vertebra vulneretur, III solidis emendetur. LXVIII. Si pes amputetur, I. solidis compensetur. LXIX. Si major digitus pedis amputetur, X solidis compensetur. LXX. Pro aliis digitis pedis singulis dimidium pretii, sicuti de digitis manus dictum est, solvatur.

English

LXI. If anyone is rendered lame, it shall be compensated with 30 shillings. LXII. If anyone wounds a callus, he shall compensate with 3 shillings. LXIII. If a man’s genital member is cut off, it shall be compensated with a triple ordinary mulct; if it is pierced, he shall compensate with 6 shillings; if anyone cuts into it, he shall compensate with 6 shillings. LXIV. If a thigh is broken, it shall be compensated with 12 shillings; if the man becomes lame, the friends there ought to judge. LXV. If a rib is broken, he shall compensate with 3 shillings. LXVI. If anyone pierces a thigh, each incision shall be compensated with 6 shillings; if it penetrates above the thumb, with a shilling; for two thumbs, two; above that, three shillings shall be paid. LXVII. If a vertebra is wounded, it shall be compensated with 3 shillings. LXVIII. If a foot is cut off, it shall be compensated with 50 shillings. LXIX. If the big toe is cut off, it shall be compensated with 10 shillings. LXX. For the other toes individually, half the price, as has been stated concerning the fingers of the hand, shall be paid.

Commentary

termtextcallum

The term 'callum' (hard skin, callus) is ambiguous: it may refer to a scar or a callosity, possibly a healed wound. The compensation of 3 shillings suggests a minor injury.

termtexttriplici mulcta ordinaria

'Triplici mulcta ordinaria' indicates a triple standard fine, but the base amount is unspecified. This may refer to a wergild-related tariff or a fixed sum known from context.

backgroundtextamici judicare debent

The phrase 'amici judicare debent' (the friends ought to judge) reflects a communal or kin-based arbitration process common in early Germanic law, where injury assessment was not purely tariff-based.

cautiontextLXVIII. Si pes amputetur, I. solidis compensetur.

The compensation for a foot is given as 'I. solidis' (1 shilling), which is implausibly low compared to other injuries (e.g., a thumb costs 20 shillings). This is likely a scribal error for 'L' (50) or 'C' (100).

paralleltextLXX. Pro aliis digitis pedis... sicuti de digitis manus dictum est

This cross-reference to earlier finger tariffs (not preserved in this excerpt) shows the text's systematic structure: toe injuries are valued at half the corresponding finger rates, a common principle in early medieval law codes.

structuretextLXIV. Si femur ruptum fuerit... si is claudus fiat, ibi amici judicare debent.

This clause introduces a conditional assessment: a broken thigh has a fixed fine, but if lameness results, the amount is left to the judgment of friends, showing a blend of tariff and discretionary compensation.

Open questions · 3

The reading 'I. solidis' in LXVIII is almost certainly corrupt; the intended amount is unclear but likely 50 or 100 shillings.
The term 'callum' in LXII may refer to a callus, scar, or hardened tissue; the precise anatomical referent is uncertain.
The base amount for the 'triplex mulcta ordinaria' in LXIII is not specified in the text.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:8 · narrativehigh

Source

LXXI. Si majoris digiti pedis unguis amputetur, XXX scaettae ad emendationem, pro caeteris singulis X scaettae compensentur. LXXII. Si libera femina capillata a inhonesti quid fecerit, XXX solidis emendet. LXXIII. Virginis compensatio sit ut liberi hominis. LXXIV. Patrocinium violatum potioris viduae nobilis familiae L solidis emendetur; secundariae XX solidis; tertiae XII solidis; quartae VI solidis. LXXV. Si quis viduam non sui juris duxerit, bis compenset patrocinium violatum. LXXVI. Si vir virginem mercetur pretio, empta sit, si sine dolo factum sit; si autem dolus subest, postea domum reducatur, et illi peculium suum reddatur. LXXVII. Si ipsa vivum fetum pepererit, medietatem bonorum habeat, si vir ante moriatur. LXXVIII. Si cum liberis recedere velit, dimidium facultatum habeat. LXXIX. Si maritus habere velit liberos, sint ipsi sicuti unus liberorum.

English

LXXI. If the nail of the big toe is torn off, 30 sceattas shall be paid as compensation; for each of the other toes, 10 sceattas shall be paid. LXXII. If a free woman with long hair does something dishonorable, she shall make amends with 30 shillings. LXXIII. The compensation for a virgin shall be the same as for a free man. LXXIV. Violated protection of a higher-ranking widow of noble family shall be compensated with 50 shillings; of a secondary one, 20 shillings; of a third, 12 shillings; of a fourth, 6 shillings. LXXV. If anyone marries a widow not under her own authority, he shall pay double compensation for violated protection. LXXVI. If a man purchases a virgin for a price, she shall be considered bought, if it is done without fraud; but if fraud is involved, she shall afterwards be led back home, and her own property shall be returned to her. LXXVII. If she herself bears a living child, she shall have half the goods, if the husband dies first. LXXVIII. If she wishes to depart with the children, she shall have half the property. LXXIX. If the husband wishes to have the children, they shall be as one of the children.

Commentary

termglossaryscaettae

The term 'scaettae' (sceattas) refers to small silver coins used in early medieval England, distinct from the 'solidi' (shillings) used elsewhere in the text. This suggests a layered monetary system.

termglossarycapillata

'Capillata' (with long hair) likely denotes an unmarried free woman, as long hair was a marker of virginity or marital status in early medieval Germanic custom.

backgroundbackgroundpatrocinium violatum

Violated protection (patrocinium violatum) refers to the breach of a lord's or family's guardianship over a widow, a key concept in early medieval wergild and guardianship law.

structuretext

Passages LXXIV–LXXIX form a coherent block on the legal status of widows and virgins, moving from protection payments to marriage, property rights, and child custody.

parallelbackground

The graduated fines for widows of different ranks (LXXIV) parallel similar scales in early Germanic law codes, such as the Lex Salica and the laws of Æthelberht.

cautiontexta inhonesti quid fecerit

The phrase 'a inhonesti quid fecerit' is ambiguous: it may mean 'does something dishonorable' (sexual misconduct) or 'commits an indecent act' (public indecency). The context of a free woman with long hair suggests a sexual offense.

Open questions · 3

The term 'scaettae' may be a scribal variant or error for 'sceattas'; the exact value relative to shillings is unclear.
The phrase 'a inhonesti quid fecerit' (LXXII) is ambiguous as to the specific nature of the dishonorable act.
The legal relationship between 'patrocinium violatum' (LXXIV) and the marriage penalty (LXXV) is not fully defined.

tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:9 · narrativemedium

Source

LXXX. Si ipsa prolem non pepererit, cognati bona habeant, ipsa alimenta, et dotem. LXXXI. Si quis virginem per vim ceperit, possessori L solidos det, et postea secundum possessoris voluntatem eam redimat. LXXXII Si ea alteri in pretio desponsata sit, XX solidis compenset. LXXXIII. Si gravida fuerit, XXXV solidos, et regi XV solidos solvat. LXXXIV. Si quis cum servi uxore concubuerit, vivo marito, bis emendet. LXXXV. Si servus alterum occiderit innocentem, omnibus facultatibus compenset. LXXXVI. Si servi oculus et pes excutiatur, omni valore compensetur. LXXXVII. Si quis servum alicujus vinxerit, VI solidis emendet. LXXXVIII. Servi latrocinium sit III solidi b. LXXXIX. Si servus furetur, duplici emendatione compenset.

English

LXXX. If she has not borne offspring, the relatives shall have the goods; she shall have maintenance and her dowry. LXXXI. If anyone seizes a virgin by force, he shall give 50 solidi to the possessor, and afterwards redeem her according to the possessor's will. LXXXII. If she has been betrothed to another for a price, he shall compensate with 20 solidi. LXXXIII. If she is pregnant, he shall pay 35 solidi, and 15 solidi to the king. LXXXIV. If anyone lies with a slave's wife, the husband being alive, he shall make amends twofold. LXXXV. If a slave kills another innocent person, he shall compensate with all his possessions. LXXXVI. If a slave's eye and foot are struck out, it shall be compensated with the full value. LXXXVII. If anyone binds another's slave, he shall make amends with 6 solidi. LXXXVIII. A slave's theft shall be 3 solidi b. LXXXIX. If a slave steals, he shall compensate with double amends.

Commentary

termtextLXXX. Si ipsa prolem non pepererit, cognati bona habeant, ipsa alimenta, et dotem.

The term 'cognati' denotes maternal relatives, distinguishing them from 'agnati' (paternal kin). This reflects Germanic kinship structures where maternal inheritance rights were recognized.

backgroundtextLXXXI. Si quis virginem per vim ceperit, possessori L solidos det, et postea secundum possessoris voluntatem eam redimat.

The 'possessor' is likely the virgin's guardian (father or lord), not a captor. The fine and redemption process mirrors early medieval wergeld and mundium (guardianship) systems.

structuretextLXXXIII. Si gravida fuerit, XXXV solidos, et regi XV solidos solvat.

The escalating fines (LXXXI–LXXXIII) for seizing a virgin—50, then 20, then 35+15 solidi—show a tripartite structure based on betrothal status and pregnancy, with a separate royal fine for the latter.

termtextLXXXIV. Si quis cum servi uxore concubuerit, vivo marito, bis emendet.

'Bis emendet' means twofold compensation, a standard penalty in Germanic law for adultery with a slave's wife, reflecting the husband's diminished but recognized rights.

cautiontextLXXXVIII. Servi latrocinium sit III solidi b.

The final 'b' is likely a scribal abbreviation or error; possibly 'b' for 'bis' (twofold) or a numeral. The intended penalty is unclear, and the text may be corrupt.

receptiontextLXXXIX. Si servus furetur, duplici emendatione compenset.

The double compensation for a slave's theft aligns with later Anglo-Saxon law codes (e.g., Alfred's laws), indicating continuity in penal practice for unfree persons.

Open questions · 2

LXXXVIII: The final 'b' may be a numeral or abbreviation; the exact penalty is uncertain.
LXXXI: 'Possessori' could refer to a guardian or a captor; the reading assumes a guardian based on context.

Citation. Tergwame, “Decretum De Rebus Dei Et Ecclesiae Non Abstrahendis”, tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1:1, machine-draft, 2026. https://naxiai.com/christian/works/tmp1357.tmp1357.opp-lat1#s1

Colophon. Source: ogl-pl · licence: Available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License · model: deepseek/deepseek-v4-flash:floor · provider: Relace · cost: $0.0050 · generated 2026-11-15.

Decretum De Rebus Dei Et Ecclesiae Non Abstrahendis

Summary

Historical context

Annotation and terms

Pipeline notes

Term index