But as the State cannot employ him, he is leased out to those who will pay into the treasury of the prince the money equivalent to the labour he is capable of performing.

Thus, under cover of the highest morality, the greatest iniquity is perpetrated.

For the theft of a loaf, the man is reduced to a slave; then his wife and children, unable to support themselves, become a charge to the State, that is, they beg in the public ways.
This, too, forsooth, corrupts morality, and they likewise are seized and leased out to any who like to take them.

Nor can he or they ever become free again, for they must repay to their proprietor the sum he gave for them, and how can that be done, since they receive no wages?
For striking another, a man may be in the same way, as they term it, forfeited to the State, and be sold to the highest bidder.

A stout brass wire is then twisted around his left wrist loosely, and the ends soldered together.