[29.5] From this circumstance the code was known as the Lēgēs XII Tabulārum.

[29.6] abl. of means; we say ‘on tablets.’ The tablets were of bronze. For many centuries Roman schoolboys had to commit these laws to memory.

[29.7] The Decemvirs had been elected for one year, at the end of which time they reported their work still unfinished, and a second board was chosen. The story that follows concerns the second board. All accounts agree that the rule of the first board was in all respects just.

[29.8] suā ipsōrum: a strong expression for ‘their own.’

[29.9] Cf. [p. 4, n. 3].

[29.10] See Vocab., [cliēns].

[29.11] in servitūtem expresses purpose (cf. [p. 14, n. 4]), and so = ut serva esset.

[29.12] Cf. [p. 5, n. 3].

[29.13] vincō.

[29.14] Join with iniēcit manum, and cf. [p. 2, n. 7].