each officer is removed every five years; and, however high and dignified, they must always state, in every public document, how many times they have been degraded, in order to keep their delinquencies in remembrance.
Some of the fiscal laws, regarding the enrolment of the people, have been quoted in a former chapter. Under this head, the regulations relative to the landtax are included. This impost is supposed not to exceed one-fiftieth of the produce. The enactments regarding the lending of money, limit the interest to three per cent, per month; and licenses are granted to moneylenders and pawnbrokers, by which no inconsiderable revenue is realized. The maker of false weights and measures, is threatened with sixty blows; and the individual who passes inferior articles for good merchandize, with fifty blows.
The ritual laws assign to the emperor the exclusive privilege of worshipping the Supreme, and prohibit subjects from offering the great sacrifices. Magistrates are required to superintend the sacred rites, in their various districts; and, on such occasions, are to prepare themselves, by fasting, self-denial, and abstinence from every indulgence, under penalty of forfeiting one month's salary. The neglecting to prepare the proper animals and grain, for the sacrifice, is punished with one hundred blows; and a wilful destroying of the public altars, is visited with as many strokes, and perpetual banishment. The deities to be worshipped by the magistrate, are the local gods, the genii of the hills and rivers, and of winds and rain, the ancient kings, and holy emperors, faithful ministers, and illustrious sages,—who are all to be honoured with the accustomed
