81. The sensual appetites of Maximin were gratified at the
expense of his subjects. His eunuchs, who forced away wives
and virgins, examined their naked charms with anxious
curiosity, lest any part of their body should be found
unworthy of the royal embraces. Coyness and disdain were
considered as treason, and the obstinate fair one was
condemned to be drowned. A custom was gradually introduced
that no person should marry a wife without the permission of
the emperor, "ut ipse in omnibus nuptis praegustator esset".
Lactantius de M. P. c. 38.