Nor could any law, according to Solon, be introduced into that assembly until it had undergone the deliberation, and received the sanction, of this preliminary council.

With them, therefore, was THE ORIGIN OF ALL LEGISLATION.

In proportion to these discretionary powers was the examination the members of the council underwent.

Previous to the admission of any candidate, his life, his character, and his actions were submitted to a vigorous scrutiny [213].

The senators then took a solemn oath that they would endeavour to promote the public good, and the highest punishment they were allowed to inflict was a penalty of five hundred drachma.