24.17. 17. The same Subject continued.
When a state has many causes for
hatred, religion ought to produce many ways of reconciliation. The
Arabs, a people addicted to robbery, are frequently guilty of doing
injury and injustice. Mahomet enacted this law:
[18]
"If any one forgives
the blood of his brother,
[19]
he may pursue the malefactor for damages
and interest; but he who shall injure the wicked, after having received
satisfaction, shall, in the day of judgment, suffer the most grievous
torments."
The Germans inherited the hatred and enmity of their near relatives:
but these were not eternal. Homicide was expiated by giving a certain
number of cattle, and all the family received satisfaction: a thing
extremely useful, says Tacitus, because enmities are most dangerous
among a free people.
[20]
I believe, indeed, that their ministers of
religion, who were held by them in so much credit, were concerned in
these reconciliations.
Among the inhabitants of Malacca,
[21]
where no form of
reconciliation is established, he who has committed murder, certain of
being assassinated by the relatives or friends of the deceased, abandons
himself to fury, and wounds or kills all he meets.
Footnotes
[18]
Koran, Book i, chapter "Of the Cow."
[19]
On renouncing the law of retaliation.
[20]
"De Moribus Germanorum," 21.
[21]
"Collection of Voyages that Contributed to the Establishment of
the East India Company," vol. vii, p. 303. See also "Memoirs" of the Count de
Forbin, and what he says of the people of Macassar.
