Defensor cujuslibet Civitatis.
[Observe that the Defensor has power to fix prices, in addition to his original function of protecting the commonalty from oppression.]
'The number of his clients makes it necessary for the representative of a whole city to be especially wary in his conduct.
'At the request of your fellow-citizens we appoint you, for this Indiction, Defensor of such and such a city. Take care that there be nothing venal in your conduct. Fix the prices for the citizens according to the goodness or badness of the seasons, and remember to pay yourself what you have prescribed to others. A good Defensor allows his citizens neither to be oppressed by the laws nor harassed by the dearness of provisions.'
[12.] Formula of the Curator of a City.
Curator Civitatis.
[The Defensor and Curator had evidently almost equivalent powers, but with some slight difference of dignity. They cannot both have existed in the same city. It would be interesting to know what decided the question whether a city should have a Defensor or a Curator.]
This formula differs very little from the [preceding], except that the new officer is told 'wisely to govern the ranks of the Curia.' Stress is again laid on the regulation of prices: 'Cause moderate prices to be adhered to by those whom it concerns. Let not merchandise be in the sole power of the sellers, but let an agreeable equability be observed in all things. This is the most enriching kind of popularity, which is derived from maintaining moderation in prices[474]. You shall have the same salary (consuetudines) which your predecessors had in the same place.'
[13.] Formula of the Count of Rome.
Comitiva Romana.