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All Collections > The Complete Works of Montesquieu. Electronic Edition. > Volume II. > body > book xxx.: theory of the feudal laws among the franks, in the relation they bear to the establishment of the monarchy. > chap. II.: of the source of feudal laws.
cover
The Complete Works of Montesquieu. Electronic Edition.
cover
Volume II.
Body
BOOK XXX.: THEORY OF THE FEUDAL LAWS AMONG THE FRANKS, IN THE RELATION THEY BEAR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHY.
CHAP. II.: Of the Source of feudal Laws.

CHAP. II.: Of the Source of feudal Laws.

THE conquerors of the Roman empire came from Germany. Though few ancient authors have described their manners, yet we have two of very great weight. Cæsar making war against the Germans, describes the manners†890 of that nation; and upon these he regulated†891 some of his enterprises. A few pages of Cæsar upon this subject are equal to whole volumes.

Tacitus has written an entire work on the manners of the Germans. This work is short, but it comes from the pen of Tacitus, who was always concise, because he saw every thing at one glance.

― 361 ―

These two authors agree so perfectly with the codes still extant of the laws of the barbarians, that reading Cæsar and Tacitus, we imagine we are perusing these codes, and perusing these codes, we fancy we are reading Cæsar and Tacitus.

But if in this research into the feudal laws, I should find myself entangled and lost in a dark labyrinth, I fancy I have the clue in my hand, and that I shall be able to find my way through.