Not that the first place of honour is to be assigned to the warrior; a higher still is reserved for those who obey the laws.
Most of the dealings between man and man are now settled, with the exception of such as relate to orphans and guardianships.

These lead us to speak of the intentions of the dying, about which we must make regulations.

I say 'must'; for mankind cannot be allowed to dispose of their property as they please, in ways at variance with one another and with law and custom.

But a dying person is a strange being, and is not easily managed; he wants to be master of all he has, and is apt to use angry words.

He will say,--'May I not do what I will with my own, and give much to my friends, and little to my enemies ?' 'There is reason in that.' O Cleinias, in my judgment the older lawgivers were too soft-hearted, and wanting in insight into human affairs.