10. Formula by which Men are made Proceres per Codicillos Vacantes.

[Bestowal of Brevet-rank on persons outside the Civil Service.]

Codicilli Vacantes.

'There are cases in which men whom it is desirable for the Sovereign to honour are unable, from delicate health or slender fortunes, to enter upon an official career. For instance, a poor nobleman may dread the expenses of the Consulship; a man illustrious by his wisdom may be unable to bear the worries of a Praefecture; an eloquent tongue may shun the weight of a Quaestorship. In these cases the laws have wisely ordained that we may give such persons the rank which they merit by Codicilli Vacantes. It must always be understood, however, that in each dignity those who thus obtain it rank behind those who have earned it by actual service. Otherwise we should have all men flocking into these quiet posts, if the workers were not preferred to men of leisure[446].

'Take therefore, by these present codicils, the rank which you deserve, though you have not earned it by your official career.'