137. The Visigoths (the subjects of Adolphus) restrained, by
subsequent laws, the prodigality of conjugal love. It was
illegal for a husband to make any gift or settlement for the
benefit of his wife during the first year of their marriage;
and his liberality could not at any time exceed the tenth
part of his property. The Lombards were somewhat more
indulgent: they allowed the 'morgingcap' immediately after
the wedding night; and this famous gift, the reward of
virginity, might equal the fourth part of the husband's
substance. Some cautious maidens, indeed, were wise enough
to stipulate beforehand a present which they were too sure
of not deserving. See Montesquieu, The Spirit of Laws, l.
xix. c. 25. Muratori, delle Antichita Italiane, tom. i.
Dissertazione xx. p. 243.