ul trees which are the ruin of buildings,
[inserting their roots between the stones and] demolishing them with
the destructiveness of a battering-ram: we wish them to be pulled up
by the roots, since it is no use dealing with an evil of this kind
except in its origin. If any part is falling into decay through age,
let it be repaired at once: the first expense is the least. The
strengthening of the Aqueducts will constitute your best claim on our
favour, and will be the surest means of establishing your own
fortune. Act with skill and honesty, and let there be no corrupt
practices in reference to the distribution of the water.'

7. FORMULA OF THE PRAEFECT OF THE WATCH OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[Sidenote: Praefectus Vigilum Urbis Romae.]

'Your office, exercised as it is in the City itself, and under the
eyes of Patricians and Consuls, is sure to bring you renown if you
discharge its duties with diligence. You have full power to catch
thieves, though the law reserves the right of punishing them for
another official, apparently because it would remember that even these
detestable plunderers are yet Roman citizens. Take then for this
Indiction the _Praefectura Vigilum_. You will be the safety of
sleepers, the bulwark of houses, the defence of bolts and bars, an
unseen scrutineer, a silent judge, one whose right it is to entrap the
plotters and whose glory to deceive them. Your occupation is a nightly
hunting, most feared when it is not seen. You rob the robbers, and
strive to circumvent the men who make a mock at all other citizens. It
is only by a sort of sleight of hand that you can throw your nets
around robbers; for it is easier to guess the riddles of the Sphinx
than to detect the whereabouts of a flying thief. He looks round him
on all sides, ready to start off at the sound of an advancing
footstep, trembling at the thought of a possible ambush. How can one
catch him who, like the wind, tarries never in one place? Go forth,
then, under the starry skies; watch diligently with all the birds of
night, and as they seek their food in the darkness so do you therein
hunt for fame.

'Let there be no corruption, no deeds of darkness which the day need
blush for. Do this, and you will have our support in upholding the
rightful privileges of yourself and your staff.'

8. FORMULA OF THE PRAEFECT OF THE WATCH OF THE CITY OF RAVENNA.

[Sidenote: Praefectus Vigilum Urbis Ravennatis.]

Contains the same topics as the precedin