Book 11
1
When therefore even now, according to ancient usage, either the smallest or the supreme fine is pronounced by Roman magistrates, it is regularly observed that oves (sheep) be given the masculine gender; and Marcus Varro has thus recorded the words of the law by which the smallest fine was pronounced: xxiii. fr. 2, Mirsch. Against Marcus Terentius, since, though summoned, he has neither appeared nor been excused, I pronounce a fine of one sheep (unum ovem); and they declared that the fine did not appear to be legal unless that gender was used.
