We now come to another division relative to the rights of persons; for some persons are independent, some are subject to the power of others. Of those, again, who are subject to others, some are in the power of parents, others in that of masters. Let us first treat of those who are subject to others; for, when we have ascertained who these are, we shall at the same time discover who are independent. And first let us consider those who are in the power of masters. 1. Slaves are in the power of masters, a power derived from the law of nations: for among all nations it may be remarked that masters have the power of life and death over their slaves, and that everything acquired by the slave is acquired for the master. 2. But at the present day none of our subjects may use unrestrained violence towards their slaves, except for a reason recognized by law.1 1. The Library of Original Sources, ed. Oliver J. Thatcher (Milwaukee: University Research Extension Co., 1907), vol. 3, The Roman World, 100-166. A. There would be no consequences. B. He would have to provide a reason recognized by law in order to escape punishment. C. He would be found guilty of murder and punished accordingly. D. He would have to forfeit ownership of all the slave's possessions.