the Romans, but in such esteem among them, that upon the re∣view of their Laws the Decem∣viri durst not leave it out; but by one of the Laws of Numa Pompilius, it was restrained to the times before Marriage, for in case the Son had the Fathers con∣sent to Marry, he could not Sell him afterwards, as the same Author tells us. This Law con∣tinued in force among them, till Christianity prevailed in the Roman Empire, for although there were a prohibition of Diocletian against it, yet that signified nothing, till Constantine took care, That such indigent Parents should be re∣lieved out of the publick charge, Cod. Theodos. l. 11. tit. 27. 2. And yet after this, the Custom did continue, when the Parents were in great want, as appears by a 0