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[54] “Law

In regard to all heiresses who are classified as Thetes,1 if the nearest of kin does not wish to marry one, let him give her in marriage with a portion of five hundred drachmae, if he be of the class of Pentacosiomedimni, if of the class of Knights, with a portion of three hundred, and if of the class of Zeugitae, with one hundred and fifty, in addition to what is her own. If there are several kinsmen in the same degree of relationship, each one of them shall contribute to the portion of the heiress according to his due share. And if there be several heiresses, it shall not be necessary for a single kinsman to give in marriage more than one, but the next of kin shall in each case give her in marriage or marry her himself. And if the nearest of kin does not marry her or give her in marriage, the archon shall compel him either to marry her himself or give her in marriage. And if the archon shall not compel him, let him be fined a thousand drachmae, which are to be consecrate to Hera. And let any person who chooses denounce to the archon any person who disobeys this law.”

1 Solon had divided the people into four classes: （1） Those who received from their land an income of five hundred measures of barley or wine. These were called the “Pentacosiomedimini,” or “five hundred measure men.” （2） those who received three hundred measures. These were assumed to be able to furnish a horse for the army, and were therefore called “Knights.” （3）Those who received two hundred measures. These could presumably own a yoke of oxen and were called “Zeugitae,” or “Yolk-men.” （4） those receiving less, or having no property in land. These were called “Thetes,” i.e. “Laborers” or “Serfs.”

Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by A. T. Murray, Ph.D., LL.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1939.

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