And then arbiters must be chosen, who will determine equitably the cases which may arise under the law: e.g.a rich cousin may sometimes desire a grander match, or the requirements of the law can only be fulfilled by marrying a madwoman.

To meet such cases let the following law be enacted:--If any one comes forward and says that the lawgiver, had he been alive, would not have required the carrying out of the law in a particular case, let him go to the fifteen eldest guardians of the law who have the care of orphans; but if he thinks that too much power is thus given to them, he may bring the case before the court of select judges.
Thus will orphans have a second birth.

In order to make their sad condition as light as possible, the guardians of the law shall be their parents, and shall be admonished to take care of them.

And what admonition can be more appropriate than the assurance which we formerly gave, that the souls of the dead watch over mortal affairs?
About this there are many ancient traditions, which may be taken on trust from the legislator.

Let men fear, in the first place, the Gods above; secondly, the souls of the departed, who naturally care for their own descendants; thirdly, the aged living, who are quick to hear of any neglect of family duties, especially in the case of orphans.