Plutarch's Romane Questions · Plutarch
43.
_What is the cause that those who come as embassadours to_ Rome, _from any parts whatsoever, go first into the temple of_ Saturne, _and there before the Questors or Treasurers of the citie, enter their names in their registers_. IS it for that _Saturne_ himselfe was a stranger in _Italy_, and therefore all strangers are welcome unto him? Or may not this question be solved by the reading of histories? for in old time these Questors or publick Treasurers, were wont to send unto embassadors certeine presents, which were called _Lautia_: and if it fortuned that such embassadors were sicke, they tooke the charge of them for their cure; and if they chanced to die, they enterred them likewise at the cities charges. But now in respect of the great resort of embassadors from out of all countries, they have cut off this expense: howbeit the auncient custome yet remaineth, namely, to present themselves to the said officers of the treasure, and to be registred in their booke.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.