1On lesser matters the chiefs deliberate, on greater ones all the people, yet in such a way that even those matters whose decision rests with the people are first discussed beforehand among the chiefs. 2They assemble, unless something accidental and sudden has occurred, on fixed days, when the moon is either new or full; 2for they believe this the most auspicious starting point for transacting business. 2Nor do they count the number of days, as we do, but of nights. 2So they make appointments, so they fix dates: night seems to lead in the day. 3From their freedom comes this fault, that they do not assemble all at once nor as if under orders, but a second and a third day is wasted by the delay of those coming together.
4When the crowd sees fit, they take their seats, armed. 4Silence is ordered by the priests, who then also have the right to coerce. 5Then the king or a chief, according to each man's age, according to his nobility, according to his distinction in war, according to his eloquence, is heard with the authority of persuasion rather than the power of command. 6If a proposal has displeased them, they reject it with a murmur; 6but if it has pleased them, they clash their frameae: the most honourable kind of assent is to praise with weapons.