Note 502 — Chapter X · FǼHÐE. WERGYLD.

The Saxon law says, in accordance with the universal law of nature and society, “A man may fight, without incurring the penalty of raising war, against him whom he finds with his wedded wife, within closed doors, or under one covering; or, with his daughter lawfully born, or with his sister lawfully born, or with his mother, who was given to his father as his wedded wife.” In these cases there is, and can be, no murder before the law. It is needless to show from the history and traditions of every European state, that this is a principle universally recognized.