in Germany, are those which own no other head but the emperor.

There are a kind of little commonwealths; the chief magistrate whereof does homage to the emperor, but in other respects, and in the administration of justice, is sovereign.

Imperial cities have a right of coining money, and of keeping forces and fortified places. Their deputies assist at the imperial diets, where they are divided into two branches, that of the Rhine and that of Swabia. There were formerly 22 in the former and 37 in the latter; but there are now only 48 in all.