nine magistrates of Athens, whose government lasted but for one year. The first of whom was called archon, or prince; the second basilius, or king; the third polemarclus, or general of the army: the other fix were called thesmothete, or lawgivers. They took an oath to observe the laws; and in case of failure, obliged themselves to bellow upon the commonwealth a statue of gold as big as themselves. Those who discharged their office with honour, were received into the number of the senators of Areopagus.