the antiquities of the jews-1-第58章
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them nearest of kin to her; defend her If the damsel obtain a
sentence in her favor; that she had not been guilty; let her live
with her husband that accused her; and let him not have any
further power at all to put her away; unless she give him very
great occasions of suspicion; and such as can be no way
contradicted。 But for him that brings an accusation and calumny
against his wife in an impudent and rash manner; let him be
punished by receiving forty stripes save one; and let him pay
fifty shekels to her father: but if the damsel be convicted; as
having been corrupted; and is one of the common people; let her
be stoned; because she did not preserve her virginity till she
were lawfully married; but if she were the daughter of a priest;
let her be burnt alive。 If any one has two wives; and if he
greatly respect and be kind to one of them; either out of his
affection to her; or for her beauty; or for some other reason;
while the other is of less esteem with him; and if the son of her
that is beloved be the younger by birth than another born of the
other wife; but endeavors to obtain the right of primogeniture
from his father's kindness to his mother; and would thereby
obtain a double portion of his father's substance; for that
double portion is what I have allotted him in the laws; … let not
this be permitted; for it is unjust that he who is the elder by
birth should be deprived of what is due to him; on the father's
disposition of his estate; because his mother was not equally
regarded by him。 He that hath corrupted a damsel espoused to
another man; in case he had her consent; let both him and her be
put to death; for they are both equally guilty; the man; because
he persuaded the woman willingly to submit to a most impure
action; and to prefer it to lawful wedlock; the woman; because
she was persuaded to yield herself to be corrupted; either for
pleasure or for gain。 However; if a man light on a woman when she
is alone; and forces her; where nobody was present to come to her
assistance; let him only be put to death。 Let him that hath
corrupted a virgin not yet espoused marry her; but if the father
of the damsel be not willing that she should be his wife; let him
pay fifty shekels as the price of her prostitution。 He that
desires to be divorced from his wife for any cause (25)
whatsoever; (and many such causes happen among men;) let him in
writing give assurance that he will never use her as his wife any
more; for by this means she may be at liberty to marry another
husband; although before this bill of divorce be given; she is
not to be permitted so to do: but if she be misused by him also;
or if; when he is dead; her first husband would marry her again;
it shall not be lawful for her to return to him。 If a woman's
husband die; and leave her without children; let his brother
marry her; and let him call the son that is born to him by his
brother's name; and educate him as the heir of his inheritance;
for this procedure will be for the benefit of the public; because
thereby families will not fail; and the estate will continue
among the kindred; and this will be for the solace of wives under
their affliction; that they are to be married to the next
relation of their former husbands。 But if the brother will not
marry her; let the woman come before the senate; and protest
openly that this brother will not admit her for his wife; but
will injure the memory of his deceased brother; while she is
willing to continue in the family; and to hear him children。 And
when the senate have inquired of him for what reason it is that
he is averse to this marriage; whether he gives a bad or a good
reason; the matter must come to this issue; That the woman shall
loose the sandals of the brother; and shall spit in his face; and
say; He deserves this reproachful treatment from her; as having
injured the memory of the deceased。 And then let him go away out
of the senate; and bear this reproach upon him all his life long;
and let her marry to whom she pleases; of such as seek her in
marriage。 But now; if any man take captive; either a virgin; or
one that hath been married; (26) and has a mind to marry her; let
him not be allowed to bring her to bed to him; or to live with
her as his wife; before she hath her head shaven; and hath put on
her mourning habit; and lamented her relations and friends that
were slain in the battle; that by this means she may give vent to
her sorrow for them; and after that may betake herself to
feasting and matrimony; for it is good for him that takes a
woman; in order to have children by her; to be complaisant to her
inclinations; and not merely to pursue his own pleasure; while he
hath no regard to what is agreeable to her。 But when thirty days
are past; as the time of mourning; for so many are sufficient to
prudent persons for lamenting the dearest friends; then let them
proceed to the marriage; but in case when he hath satisfied his
lust; he be too proud to retain her for his wife; let him not
have it in his power to make her a slave; but let her go away
whither she pleases; and have that privilege of a free woman。
24。 As to those young men that despise their parents; and do not
pay them honor; but offer them affronts; either because they are
ashamed of them or think themselves wiser than they; … in the
first place; let their parents admonish them in words; (for they
are by nature of authority sufficient for becoming their judges;)
and let them say thus to them: … That they cohabited together;
not for the sake of pleasure; nor for the augmentation of their
riches; by joining both their stocks together; but that they
might have children to take care of them in their old age; and
might by them have what they then should want。 And say further to
him; 〃That when thou wast born; we took thee up with gladness;
and gave God the greatest thanks for thee; and brought time up
with great care; and spared for nothing that appeared useful for
thy preservation; and for thy instruction in what was most
excellent。 And now; since it is reasonable to forgive the sins of
those that are young; let it suffice thee to have given so many
indications Of thy contempt of us; reform thyself; and act more
wisely for the time to come; considering that God is displeased
with those that are insolent towards their parents; because he is
himself the Father of the whole race of mankind; and seems to
bear part of that dishonor which falls upon those that have the
same name; when they do not meet with dire returns from their
children。 And on such the law inflicts inexorable punishment; of
which punishment mayst thou never have the experience。〃 Now if
the insolence of young men be thus cured; let them escape the
reproach which their former errors deserved; for by this means
the lawgiver will appear to be good; and parents happy; while
they never behold either a son or a daughter brought to
punishment。 But if it happen that these words and instructions;
conveyed by them in order to reclaim the man; appear to be
useless; then the offender renders the laws implacable enemies to
the insolence he has offered his parents; let him therefore be
brought forth (27) by these very parents out of the city; with a
multitude following him; and there let him be stoned; and when he
has continued there for one whole day; that all the people may
see him; let him be buried in the night。 And thus it is that we
bury all whom the laws condemn to die; upon any account
whatsoever。 Let our enemies that fall in battle be also buried;
nor let any one dead body lie above the ground; or suffer a
punishment beyond what justice requires。
25。 Let no one lend to any one of the Hebrews upon usury; neither
usury of what is eaten or what is drunken; for it is not just to
make advantage of the misfortunes of one of thy own countrymen;
but when thou hast been assistant to his necessities; think it
thy gain if thou obtainest their gratitude to thee; and withal
that reward which will come to thee from God; for thy humanity
towards him。
26。 Those who have borrowed either silver or any sort of fruits;
whether dry or wet; (I mean this; when the Jewish affairs shall;
by t