Description of the Arts

known as the Lex Regia Royal Law, all authority and power of the Roman people in worldly matters was transferred solely and exclusively to the Imperial Majesty, without any cessation or revocation, and the Roman people entirely relinquished their power.

Indeed, even if the people had resisted such a thing—which they did willingly and without coercion—they would have undoubtedly been forced to do so, since one cannot hear the salutary voices of praiseworthy laws amidst the great din of weapons of war. These things (weapons and military force) even establish and abolish useful laws, and in their place, they inscribe the law of the fist, violence, or the law of the strongest.

At that time, however, all ancient and praiseworthy virtue had perished. The city of Rome was repeatedly conquered by force by various peoples, marched through in triumph three times, and trampled underfoot—this same city which had formerly triumphed over other peoples, kingdoms, and princes, and had presented itself as a victorious spectator. It was therefore forced to suffer the same disgrace and mockery in its own person that it had previously shown to its neighbors, and indeed, even to peoples living far away.

From there, it could not lift its head,