And thus all anarchy is the immediate cause of tyranny, if not over the state, at least over many of the individuals.
Security was provided by the Saxon laws to all members of the wittenagemot, both in going and returning, "except they were notorious thieves and robbers." The German Saxons, as the other nations of that continent, were divided into three ranks of men--the noble, the free, and the slaves.[A] This distinction they brought over with them into Britain.
[A] Nithard.Hist.lib.

iv.
The nobles were called thanes; and were of two kinds, the king's thanes and lesser thanes.

The latter seem to have been dependent on the former, and to have received lands, for which they paid rent, services, or attendance in peace and war.[*] We know of no title which raised any one to the rank of thane, except noble birth and the possession of land.

The former was always much regarded by all the German nations, even in their most barbarous state; and as the Saxon nobility, having little credit, could scarcely burden their estates with much debt, and as the commons had little trade or industry by which they could accumulate riches' these two ranks of men, even though they were not separated by positive laws, might remain long distinct, and the noble families continue many ages in opulence and splendor.

There were no middle ranks of men, that could gradually mix with their superiors, and insensibly procure to themselves honor and distinction.