The Roman laws subjected women to a perpetual guardianship, except
they were under cover and subject to the authority of a husband.
[27]
This guardianship was given to the nearest of the male relatives; and by
a vulgar expression
[28]
it appears they were very much confined. This
was proper for a republic, but not at all necessary in a monarchy.
[29]
That the women among the ancient Germans were likewise under a
perpetual tutelage appears from the different codes of the Laws of the
Barbarians.
[30]
This custom was communicated to the monarchies founded
by those people; but was not of long duration.