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THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD

for the moment how to accomplish this. This privilege should, however, be given to them, that while the others were buried immediately after death, these should be kept among the living as long as possible; while the others would after death be merely under a green sod, these would repose under stones. This and what else they could imagine to distinguish themselves from the common rabble was to be granted them, and a charter given them to that import.

(Supplications of the Rulers.)

12. When these had departed, some came forward as representatives of the rulers; they dilated on the hardships of that estate, and asked for relief. Then permission was granted them to seek rest, and rule by means of their vice-regents and officials; they acquiesced in this, and departed, after giving thanks.

(Supplications of the Subjects.[1])

13. Not long afterwards envoys of the subjects, tradesmen, and peasants came forward, and complained that those who were over them wished nothing but to drink their sweat; for they ordered them to be so driven and harassed that bloody sweat ran down them. And those whom the lords

  1. I.e., serfs.