Note 38 — Front matter
Reading edition
The law of the Republic of Iceland, called Gragaas, in the Book relative to the poor, c. i.
1st. “Be it enacted, That the son maintain his mother in preference to his other relations.
2d. “That he support his kindred, as long as he can afford it, in the following order; first his father, then his own children, and next after them his cousins.
“That the claims of his other kindred be relative to his right of coming to the inheritance of them. If the son has no fortune, then shall he sell himself into slavery for the support of his father; who, on the mother’s situation being more aggravated, shall give up his place to her, and he shall be supported by his nearest relations.
“The father has the alternative of selling himself and his children into slavery, on account of their education.
“If a person aforesaid be found to beg, then shall he, who ought and could support that person, pay a fine to the public.”