Tacitus on Germany, Translated | Page 7

about matters of
higher consequence the whole nation deliberates; yet in such sort, that
whatever depends upon the pleasure and decision of the people, is
examined and discussed by the chiefs. Where no accident or emergency
intervenes, they assemble upon stated days, either, when the moon
changes, or is full: since they believe such seasons to be the most
fortunate for beginning all transactions. Neither in reckoning of time do
they count, like us, the number of days but that of nights. In this style
their ordinances are framed, in this style their diets appointed; and with
them the night seems to lead and govern the day. From their extensive
liberty this evil and default flows, that they meet not at once, nor as
men commanded and afraid to disobey; so that often the second day,
nay often the third, is consumed through the slowness of the members
in assembling. They sit down as they list, promiscuously, like a crowd,
and all armed. It is by the Priests that silence is enjoined, and with the

power of correction the Priests are then invested. Then the King or
Chief is heard, as are others, each according to his precedence in age,
or in nobility, or in warlike renown, or in eloquence; and the influence
of every speaker proceeds rather from his ability to persuade than from
any authority to command. If the proposition displease, they reject it by
an inarticulate murmur: if it be pleasing, they brandish their javelins.
The most honourable manner of signifying their assent, is to express
their applause by the sound of their arms.
In the assembly it is allowed to present accusations, and to prosecute
capital offences. Punishments vary according to the quality of the crime.
Traitors and deserters they hang upon trees. Cowards, and sluggards,
and unnatural prostitutes they smother in mud and bogs under an heap
of hurdles. Such diversity in their executions has this view, that in
punishing of glaring iniquities, it behooves likewise to display them to
sight; but effeminacy and pollution must be buried and concealed. In
lighter transgressions too the penalty is measured by the fault, and the
delinquents upon conviction are condemned to pay a certain number of
horses or cattle. Part of this mulct accrues to the King or to the
community, part to him whose wrongs are vindicated, or to his next
kindred. In the same assemblies are also chosen their chiefs or rulers,
such as administer justice in their villages and boroughs. To each of
these are assigned an hundred persons chosen from amongst the
populace, to accompany and assist him, men who help him at once with
their authority and their counsel.
Without being armed they transact nothing, whether of public or
private concernment. But it is repugnant to their custom for any man to
use arms, before the community has attested his capacity to wield them.
Upon such testimonial, either one of the rulers, or his father, or some
kinsman dignify the young man in the midst of the assembly, with a
shield and javelin. This amongst them is the /manly robe/, this first
degree of honour conferred upon their youth. Before this they seem no
more than part of a private family, but thenceforward part of the
Commonweal. The princely dignity they confer even upon striplings,
whose race is eminently noble, or whose fathers have done great and
signal services to the State. For about the rest, who are more vigorous
and long since tried, they crowd to attend; nor is it any shame to be
seen amongst the followers of these. Nay, there are likewise degrees of

followers, higher or lower, just as he whom they follow judges fit.
Mighty too is the emulation amongst these followers, of each to be first
in favour with his Prince; mighty also the emulation of the Princes, to
excel in the number and valour of followers. This is their principal state,
this their chief force, to be at all times surrounded with a huge band of
chosen young men, for ornament and glory in peace, for security and
defence in war. Nor is it amongst his own people only, but even from
the neighbouring communities, that any of their Princes reaps so much
renown and a name so great, when he surpasses in the number and
magnanimity of his followers. For such are courted by Embassies, and
distinguished with presents, and by the terror of their fame alone often
dissipate wars.
In the day of battle, it is scandalous to the Prince to be surpassed in
feats of bravery, scandalous to his followers to fail in matching the
bravery of the Prince. But it is infamy during life, and indelible
reproach, to return alive from a battle where their Prince was slain. To
preserve their Prince, to