Excusationum libri
Ex libro V
The Same, Excuses, Book V. Where, in matters relating to the excuses of guardians and curators, reference is had to a freedman, it must be noted that not only the freedman of the father of the ward, but also the freedman of his mother, is understood. 1And since we are discussing the children of a patron, it must be noted that this term is not only applicable to descendants in the first degree; that is to say, to sons and daughters, but also to grandchildren on both sides, as well as to those who succeed to them. 2And even though a freedman may obtain the right to wear a gold ring, he still retains the rank of freedman, in accordance with what was decreed by Marcus Antoninus. 3Where a slave purchases himself with his own money, and is manumitted, he shall never be included among other freedmen. 4Where there are several freedmen, one shall be appointed guardian for all the children of his patron, and he shall not be discharged even if he is already administering three guardianships.