ON THE SENATUSCONSULTUM VELLEIANUM.

THESIS I.

We intercede by binding either ourselves or our property for others.

II.

Which is done by mandating, acting as a surety, constituting, novating, and finally by undertaking another’s obligation.

III.

All are bound by intercession, except those who are specifically exempted, among whose number is a WOMAN; and this is effected by this our Senatusconsultum Velleianum.

IIII.

Here a woman is prohibited from making herself a debtor for another; but if she should intercede, an action or claim is denied to the creditor against her.

V.

Clearly, the reason for the Senatusconsultum is not unjust. For who would not pity those women who, on account of the weakness of their sex and judgment, have easily allowed themselves to be enticed by marital and other allurements into deception and the undertaking of the burden of a guarantee, so that they might thus perish utterly?

VI.

Furthermore, another reason for this law is put forward,