De novationibus et delegationibus
(Concerning Novations and Delegations.)
1 Ulpianus libro quadragensimo sexto ad Sabinum. Novatio est prioris debiti in aliam obligationem vel civilem vel naturalem transfusio atque translatio, hoc est cum ex praecedenti causa ita nova constituatur, ut prior perematur. novatio enim a novo nomen accepit et a nova obligatione. 1Illud non interest, qualis processit obligatio, utrum naturalis an civilis an honoraria, et utrum verbis an re an consensu: qualiscumque igitur obligatio sit, quae praecessit, novari verbis potest, dummodo sequens obligatio aut civiliter teneat aut naturaliter: ut puta si pupillus sine tutoris auctoritate promiserit.
1 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XLVI. Novation is the transfer and transmission of a former debt into another civil or natural obligation; that is to say, when from the preceding liability a new one is created in such a way that the former is destroyed; for novation derives its name from the term “new,” and from a fresh obligation. 1It is of no importance what the character of the first obligation may be, whether it is natural, civil, or prætorian, or whether it is oral, real, or based on consent. Therefore, whatever it is, it can be verbally renewed, provided the following obligation is binding either civilly or naturally, for instance, where a ward promises without the authority of his guardian.
2 Idem libro quadragensimo octavo ad Sabinum. Omnes res transire in novationem possunt: quodcumque enim sive verbis contractum est sive non verbis, novari potest et transire in verborum obligationem ex quacumque obligatione, dummodo sciamus novationem ita demum fieri, si hoc agatur, ut novetur obligatio: ceterum si non hoc agatur, duae erunt obligationes.
2 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLVIII. All matters are susceptible of novation, for every contract, whether verbal or otherwise, can be substituted in this manner, and pass from any kind of an obligation whatsoever into an oral one, provided we know that this is done in such a way that the obligation is changed in this way. If, however, this is not the case, there will be two obligations.
3 Pomponius libro primo ad Sabinum. Cui bonis interdictum est, novare obligationem suam non potest, nisi meliorem suam condicionem fecerit.
3 Pomponius, On Sabinus, Book I. A person who has been deprived of the management of his property cannot renew his obligation, unless he renders his position better.
4 Ulpianus libro quinto ad Sabinum. Si usus fructus debitorem meum delegavero tibi, non novatur obligatio mea: quamvis exceptione doli vel in factum tutus debeat esse adversus me is qui delegatus fuerit, et non solum donec manet ei usus fructus cui delegavi, sed etiam post interitum eius: videbimus quia etiam hoc incommodum sentit, si post mortem meam maneat ei usus fructus. et haec eadem dicenda sunt in qualibet obligatione personae cohaerenti.
4 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book V. If I delegate to you someone who owes me an usufruct, my obligation is not altered by novation, although he who has been delegated can protect himself against me by an exception on the ground of bad faith, or by one in factum; not only while the usufruct is enjoyed by the person to whom I delegated him, but even after his death, because, after I die, he to whom the usufruct was delegated will continue to hold it to the disadvantage of the debtor. This also applies to all obligations attaching to the person.
5 Idem libro trigensimo quarto ad Sabinum. In diem obligatio novari potest et prius quam dies advenerit. et generaliter constat et stipulatione in diem facta novationem contingere, sed non statim ex ea stipulatione agi posse, antequam dies venerit.
5 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XXXIV. An obligation can be subjected to novation at a prescribed time, and even before the time arrives. Generally speaking, it is settled that a stipulation made for a specified period can become a novation; but that suit cannot be brought under the stipulation before the time arrives.
6 Idem libro quadragensimo sexto ad Sabinum. Si ita fuero stipulatus: ‘quanto minus a Titio debitore exegissem, tantum fideiubes?’, non fit novatio, quia non hoc agitur, ut novetur. 1Cum pecuniam mutuam dedit quis sine stipulatione et ex continenti fecit stipulationem, unus contractus est. idem erit dicendum et si ante stipulatio facta est, mox pecunia numerata sit.
6 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLVI. If I should stipulate as follows: “Will you be responsible for any amount which I may not be able to collect from Titius, my debtor?” a novation is not created, because the transaction is not for that purpose. 1When anyone has lent money without a stipulation and immediately makes one, there is but one contract. The same thing must be said where the stipulation was made first, and the money counted afterwards.
7 Pomponius libro vicensimo quarto ad Sabinum. Cum enim pecunia mutua data stipulamur, non puto obligationem numeratione nasci et deinde eam stipulatione novari, quia id agitur, ut sola stipulatio teneat, et magis implendae stipulationis gratia numeratio intellegenda est fieri.
7 Pomponius, On Sabinus, Book XXIV. For, when we stipulate for a loan, I do not think that the obligation arises from the counting of the money, and that afterwards the novation is created by the stipulation; because the intention is that there should be but one stipulation, and the counting of the money is understood to be done merely for the purpose of completing the contract.
8 Ulpianus libro quadragensimo sexto ad Sabinum. Si Stichum dari stipulatus fuerim et, cum in mora promissor esset, quo minus daret, rursus eundem stipulatus fuero, desinit periculum ad promissorem pertinere quasi mora purgata. 1Legata vel fideicommissa si in stipulationem fuerint deducta et hoc actum, ut novetur, fiet novatio, si quidem pure vel in diem fuerint relicta, statim, si vero sub condicione, non statim, sed ubi condicio extiterit. nam et alias qui in diem stipulatur, statim novat, si hoc actum est, cum certum sit diem quandoque venturum: at qui sub condicione stipulatur, non statim novat, nisi condicio extiterit. 2Si quis ita stipulatus a Seio sit: ‘quod a Titio stipulatus fuero, dare spondes?’, an, si postea a Titio stipulatus sim, fiat novatio solusque teneatur Seius? et ait Celsus novationem fieri, si modo id actum sit, ut novetur, id est ut Seius debeat quod Titius promisit: nam eodem tempore et impleri prioris stipulationis condicionem et novari ait, eoque iure utimur. 3Idem Celsus ait iudicatum solvi stipulatione actionem iudicati non novari, merito, quia hoc solum agitur ea stipulatione, ut fideiussoribus cautum sit, non ut ab obligatione iudicati discedatur. 4Si decem, quae mihi Titius debet, aut decem, quae Seius debet, a tertio stipulatus fuero, putat Marcellus neutrum liberari, sed tertium eligere posse, pro quo decem solvere velit. 5Si ab alio promissam sibi dotem maritus ab uxore dotis nomine stipulatus sit, non duplari dotem, sed fieri novationem placet, si hoc actum est: quid enim interest, ipsa an alius quilibet promittat? quod enim ego debeo si alius promittat, liberare me potest, si novationis causa hoc fiat: si autem non novandi animo hoc intervenit, uterque quidem tenetur, sed altero solvente alter liberatur. non tamen si quis stipuletur quod mihi debetur, aufert mihi actionem, nisi ex voluntate mea stipuletur: liberat autem me is qui quod debeo promittit, etiamsi nolim.
8 Ulpianus, On Sabinus, Book XLVI. If I stipulate for the delivery of Stichus to me, and when the promisor fails to deliver him, I again stipulate for him, the promisor is no longer responsible for the risk, as liability for the default has been released. 1Where legacies or trusts are included in the stipulation, and the intention was that it should be subjected to novation, this will take place; and if they were bequeathed absolutely, or to take effect at a certain time, novation occurs immediately. When, however, they were conditional, it will not take place at once, but when the condition is complied with; for, otherwise, where anyone stipulates for a prescribed time, he immediately creates a novation, if such was the intention, as it is certain that the date will arrive at some time or other. But where anyone stipulates under a condition, novation does not become operative immediately unless the condition is fulfilled. 2Where anyone stipulates with Seius, as follows, “Do you promise to pay whatever I stipulate for with Titius?” and I afterwards stipulate with Titius, does a novation take place so that Seius alone will liable? Celsus says that a novation does take place, provided this was the intention, that is to say that Seius should owe what Titius promised to pay. For he asserts that the condition of the first stipulation is complied with and novation occurs at the same time. This is our practice. 3Celsus also says that by the stipulation of paying the judgment, the action to enforce judgment is not subjected to novation; and this is reasonable, because in this stipulation the only thing involved is that a surety shall be provided, and that there shall be no departure from the obligation of the judgment. 4If I stipulate with a third party for the ten aurei which Titius owes me, or the ten which Seius owes me, Marcellus thinks that neither one of them is released, but that the third party can select him for whom he wishes to pay the ten aurei. 5When a husband stipulates with his wife for a dowry which was promised to her by a stranger, the dowry will not be doubled, but it has been decided that a novation will take place, if this was the intention. For what difference does it make whether she or someone else makes the promise? For if another person promises to pay what I owe, he can free me from liability, if this is done for the purpose of novation. If, however, he did not intervene in order to make a novation, both parties will, in fact, be liable; but if one of them pays, the other will be released. Still, if anyone stipulates for what is due to me, he does not deprive me of my right of action, unless he stipulates with my consent; but he who promises what I owe releases me from liability, even if I am unwilling that this shall be done.
9 Idem libro quadragensimo septimo ad Sabinum. Si pupillus sine tutoris auctoritate rem salvam fore stipulatus pubes factus ratam stipulationem habuerit novandi causa, tollitur tutelae actio. si non habuerit ratum, licet tutelae egisset, habet tamen adhuc ex stipulatu actionem: sed iudex tutelae non aliter condemnare debet, quam si ex stipulatione liberatio fieret. 1Qui sub condicione stipulatur, quae omnimodo exstatura est, pure videtur stipulari. 2Qui actum stipulatur, deinde iter, nihil agit: item usum fructum stipulatus si usum stipuletur, nihil agit. sed qui iter stipulatus actum postea stipuletur, aliud magis stipulatur: aliud est enim iter, aliud actus.
9 The Same, On Sabinus, Book XLVII. If a ward, having stipulated without the authority of his guardian, arrives at puberty, and ratifies the stipulation for the purpose of making a novation, the right of action on guardianship will be extinguished. If he does not ratify it, even though he brings suit on guardianship, he will also be entitled to one under the stipulation; but the judge, who has jurisdiction of the action on guardianship, ought not to render a decision against the guardian, without releasing him from the stipulation. 1Anyone who stipulates under a condition which is certain to be fulfilled is considered to have stipulated absolutely. 2Where anyone stipulates for a driveway, and afterwards for a right of passage, his act is void. Again, where anyone stipulates for an usufruct, and also for an use, his act will be void. Where, however, he stipulates for a right of passage, and afterwards for a driveway, he stipulates for something in addition, for a right of passage is one thing and the right to drive is another.
10 Paulus libro undecimo ad Sabinum. Cui recte solvitur, is etiam novare potest, excepto eo, si mihi aut Titio stipulatus sim: nam Titius novare non potest, licet recte ei solvitur.
10 Paulus, On Sabinus, Book XI. He to whom payment can legally be made can also make a novation, except in the case where I stipulate for myself, or for Titius; for Titius cannot make a novation, although payment can be legally made to him.
11 Ulpianus libro vicensimo septimo ad edictum. Delegare est vice sua alium reum dare creditori vel cui iusserit. 1Fit autem delegatio vel per stipulationem vel per litis contestationem.
12 Paulus libro trigensimo primo ad edictum. Si quis delegaverit debitorem, qui doli mali exceptione tueri se posse sciebat, similis videbitur ei qui donat, quoniam remittere exceptionem videtur. sed si per ignorantiam promiserit creditori, nulla quidem exceptione adversus creditorem uti poterit, quia ille suum recepit: sed is qui delegavit tenetur condictione vel incerti, si non pecunia soluta esset, vel certi, si soluta esset, et ideo, cum ipse praestiterit pecuniam, aget mandati iudicio.
12 Paulus, On the Edict, Book XXXI. If anyone should delegate a debtor whom he knew could protect himself by an exception on the ground of fraud, he will resemble a person who makes a gift under such circumstances, as he is considered to rely upon an exception to annul his act. If, however, he promises his creditor through ignorance, he cannot have recourse to an exception against him because the latter receives what is his own; but he who delegated him will be liable in a personal action for recovery, or one for an uncertain amount, if the money was not paid, or for a certain amount if it was paid; and therefore, when he has paid it, he can bring an action on mandate.
13 Ulpianus libro trigensimo octavo ad edictum. Si non debitorem quasi debitorem delegavero creditori meo, exceptio locum non habebit, sed condictio adversus eum qui delegavit competit.
13 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book XXXVIII. If I delegate to my creditor, as my debtor, someone who does not owe me, there will be no ground for an exception, but a personal action will lie against the person who delegated him.
14 Idem libro septimo disputationum. Quotiens quod pure debetur, novandi causa sub condicione promittitur, non statim fit novatio, sed tunc demum, cum condicio extiterit. et ideo si forte Stichus fuerit in obligatione et pendente condicione decesserit, nec novatio continget, quia non subest res eo tempore, quo condicio impletur. unde Marcellus et si post moram Stichus in condicionalem obligationem deductus sit, purgari moram nec in sequentem deduci obligationem putat. 1Sed si quod sub condicione debetur, pure quis novandi causa stipuletur, nec nunc quidem statim novat, licet pura stipulatio aliquid egisse videatur, sed tunc novabit, cum exstiterit condicio: etenim existens condicio primam stipulationem committit commissamque in secundam transfert. et ideo si forte persona promissoris pendente condicione fuerit deportata, Marcellus scribit ne quidem existente condicione ullam contingere novationem, quoniam nunc, cum extitit condicio, non est persona quae obligetur.
14 The Same, Disputations, Book VII. Whenever anything which is absolutely due is promised conditionally, for the purpose of creating a novation, the novation does not take place immediately, but only after the condition has been complied with. Therefore, if Stichus should happen to be the subject of the obligation, and should die while the condition is pending, the novation will occur, because the property, which was the object of the stipulation, was not in existence at the time when the condition was fulfilled. Hence Marcellus thinks that, even if Stichus was included in the conditional obligation, after he who promised him was in default, the default will be purged, and Stichus will not be included in the ensuing obligation. 1But where anyone, for the purpose of making a novation, stipulates absolutely for something which is due under a condition, he does not immediately create the novation, although an absolute stipulation seems to produce some effect, but the novation takes place when the condition is fulfilled. For a condition, once having been complied with, renders the first stipulation operative, and transfers it to the second. Therefore, if the promisor should be deported while the condition is pending, Marcellus says that novation will not take place, even if the condition is fulfilled, because there is no one who will be liable when this occurs.
15 Iulianus libro tertio decimo digestorum. Si creditor poenam stipulatus fuerat, si ad diem pecunia soluta non esset, novatione facta non committitur stipulatio.
15 Julianus, Digest, Book XIII. Where a creditor stipulates for a penalty if payment should not be made at the designated time, and a novation takes place, the stipulation does not become operative.
16 Florentinus libro octavo institutionum. Servus nec peculiarem quidem obligationem citra voluntatem domini novare potest, sed adicit potius obligationem quam pristinam novat.
16 Florentinus, Institutes, Book VIII. A slave cannot make a novation without the consent of his master, even where the obligation involves his peculium, but he rather creates a new obligation than renews the former one.
17 Ulpianus libro octavo ad edictum. Delegare scriptura vel nutu, ubi fari non potest, debitorem suum quis potest.
17 Ulpianus, On the Edict, Book VIII. Anyone can delegate his debtor, either by writing or by a gesture, when he is unable to speak.
18 Paulus libro quinquagensimo septimo ad edictum. Novatione legitime facta liberantur hypothecae et pignus, usurae non currunt.
18 Paulus, On the Edict, Book LVII. When novation is properly made, all liens and pledges are released, and interest ceases to be due.
19 Idem libro sexagensimo nono ad edictum. Doli exceptio, quae poterat deleganti opponi, cessat in persona creditoris, cui quis delegatus est. idemque est et in ceteris similibus exceptionibus, immo et in ea, quae ex senatus consulto filio familias datur: nam adversus creditorem, cui delegatus est ab eo, qui mutuam pecuniam contra senatus consultum dederat, non utetur exceptione, quia nihil in ea promissione contra senatus consultum fit: tanto magis, quod hic nec solutum repetere potest. diversum est in muliere, quae contra senatus consultum promisit: nam et in secunda promissione intercessio est. idemque est in minore, qui circumscriptus delegatur, quia, si etiamnunc minor est, rursum circumvenitur: diversum, si iam excessit aetatem viginti quinque annorum, quamvis adhuc possit restitui adversus priorem creditorem. ideo autem denegantur exceptiones adversus secundum creditorem, quia in privatis contractibus et pactionibus non facile scire petitor potest, quid inter eum qui delegatus est et debitorem actum est aut, etiamsi sciat, dissimulare debet, ne curiosus videatur: et ideo merito denegandum est adversus eum exceptionem ex persona debitoris.
19 The Same, On the Edict, Book LXIX. The exception on the ground of fraud, which can be opposed to anyone who delegates his debtor, does not affect the creditor to whom the debtor is delegated. The same rule applies to all similar exceptions, and, indeed, even to that which is granted a son under paternal control by the Decree of the Senate. For he cannot make use of the exception against the creditor to whom he has been delegated by one who lent money contrary to the Decree of the Senate, because, making this promise, nothing is done in violation of the Decree of the Senate, and therefore he cannot recover what he has paid, any more than he can recover what he has paid in court. The case is different where a woman has promised to pay contrary to the Decree of the Senate, for security is included in the second promise. The same rule applies to a minor who, having been deceived, is delegated; for, if he is still a minor, he is deceived a second time. It is otherwise if he has passed the age of twenty-five years, although he still can obtain restitution against his first creditor. Therefore, exceptions against his second creditor are refused him; because in private contracts and agreements the claimant cannot readily ascertain what transactions have taken place between the person delegated and his original debtor; or, even if he does know, he should simulate in order not to appear too inquisitive; and hence it is but reasonable that the exception against the original debtor should be refused him.
20 Idem libro septuagensimo secundo ad edictum. Novare possumus aut ipsi, si sui iuris sumus, aut per alios, qui voluntate nostra stipulantur. 1Pupillus sine tutoris auctoritate non potest novare: tutor potest, si hoc pupillo expediat: item procurator omnium bonorum.
20 The Same, On the Edict, Book LXXII. We can make a novation ourselves, if we are our own masters, or by others who stipulate with our consent. 1A ward cannot make a novation without the authority of his guardian; a guardian can do so, if it is to the interest of his ward, and as agent likewise, if he has charge of all the property of his principal.
21 Pomponius libro primo ex Plautio. Si debitorem meum iussero tibi solvere, non statim tu etiam stipulando id novare possis, quamvis debitor solvendo tibi liberaretur.
21 Pomponius, On Plautius, Book I. If I order my debtor to pay you, you cannot immediately, while you are stipulating, make a novation, although the debtor, by paying you, will be released.
22 Paulus libro quarto decimo ad Plautium. Si quis absente me a debitore meo stipulatus est novandi animo, ego postea ratum habuero, novo obligationem.
22 Paulus, On Plautius, Book XIV. If anyone, during my absence, stipulates with my debtor for the purpose of making a novation, and I afterwards ratify his act, I renew the obligation.
23 Pomponius libro tertio ex Plautio. Filius patris actionem ignorante eo novare non potest.
23 Pomponius, On Plautius, Book III. A son under paternal control cannot make a novation of the action of his father, without the knowledge of the latter.
24 Idem libro quinto ex Plautio. Novatio non potest contingere ea stipulatione, quae non committitur. nec huic contrarium est, quod, si stipulatus a Titio fuero novandi animo sub condicione, quod mihi Sempronius debet, et pendente condicione Titius decesserit, quamvis ante aditam hereditatem condicio exstiterit, novatio fieret: hic enim morte promissoris non extinguitur stipulatio, sed transit ad heredem cuius personam interim hereditas sustinet.
24 The Same, On Plautius, Book V. A novation cannot arise from a stipulation which does not become operative. Nor can it be stated, in opposition to this, that if I stipulate with Titius, with the intention of renewing the debt which Sempronius owes me, under a condition, and while the condition is pending Titius should die, although the condition may have been fulfilled before the estate was entered upon, novation will take place; for, in this instance, the stipulation is not extinguished by the death of the promisor, but passes to the heir who, in the meantime, represents the estate.
25 Celsus libro primo digestorum. Non ideo novare veterem obligationem quisquam recte potest, quod interdum recte ei solvitur: nam et his, qui in nostra potestate sunt, quod ab his creditum est recte interdum solvitur, cum nemo eorum per se novare priorem obligationem iure possit.
25 Celsus, Digest, Book I. No one has a right to renew an old debt by novation, solely because payment can sometimes legally be made to him. For payment can sometimes properly be made to those who are under our control, when none of them can, by himself, in accordance with law, substitute a new obligation for the old one.
26 Idem libro tertio digestorum. Si is, cui decem Titius, quindecim Seius debebat, ab Attio stipulatus est quod ille aut quod ille debeat, dari sibi, novatum utrumque non est, sed in potestate Attii est, pro quo velit solvere et eum liberare. fingamus autem ita actum, ut alterutrum daret: nam alioquin utrumque stipulatus videtur et utrumque novatum, si novandi animo hoc fiat.
26 The Same, Digest, Book III. Where a man to whom Titius owes ten aurei, and Seius fifteen, stipulates with Attius that he shall pay him what one or the other of them owes, both the obligations are not subjected to novation; but it is in the power of Attius to pay for whichever one he wishes, and release him. Suppose, however, that it had been agreed that he should pay one or the other of the claims; for otherwise, he would be considered to have stipulated for both, and both would have been subjected to novation, if this had been intended.
27 Papinianus libro tertio responsorum. Emptor cum delegante venditore pecuniam ita promittit: ‘quidquid ex vendito dare facere oportet’, novatione secuta usuras neutri post insecuti temporis debet.
27 Papinianus, Opinions, Book III. When a purchaser, having been delegated by the vendor, promises money as follows, “Whatever it is necessary to pay, or to do, on account of the sale,” novation takes place; and he does not owe to anyone interest for the following time.
28 Idem libro secundo definitionum. Fundum Cornelianum stipulatus quanti fundus est postea stipulor: si non novandi animo secunda stipulatio facta est, cessat novatio: secunda vero stipulatio tenet, ex qua non fundus, sed pecunia debetur. itaque si reus promittendi fundum solvat, secunda stipulatio iure non tollitur, nec si litem actor ex prima contestetur. denique meliore vel deteriore facto sine culpa debitoris postea fundo praesens aestimatio fundo petito recte consideretur, in altera vero ea aestimatio venit, quae secundae stipulationis tempore fuit.
28 The Same, Definitions, Book II. Having stipulated for the Cornelian Estate, I afterwards stipulated for the value of the land. If the second stipulation was not made with the intention of creating a novation, the novation will not take place; but the second stipulation, by the terms of which not the land, but the money is due, will stand. Therefore, if the promisor should convey the land, the second stipulation will not be extinguished by operation of law, not even when the plaintiff institutes proceedings under the terms of the first one. Finally, if the land, being improved, or having subsequently deteriorated without the fault of the debtor, is claimed, the present estimate may properly be considered; and if, on the other hand, its value is demanded, the appraisement at the time of the second stipulation should be accepted.
29 Paulus libro vicesimo quarto quaestionum. Aliam causam esse novationis voluntariae, aliam iudicii accepti multa exempla ostendunt. perit privilegium dotis et tutelae, si post divortium dos in stipulationem deducatur vel post pubertatem tutelae actio novetur, si id specialiter actum est: quod nemo dixit lite contestata: neque enim deteriorem causam nostram facimus actionem exercentes, sed meliorem, ut solet dici in his actionibus, quae tempore vel morte finiri possunt.
29 Paulus, Questions, Book XXIV. There are many examples which show the distinction existing between” a voluntary novation, and one derived from a judgment. The privileges of dowry and guardianship are lost, if the dowry is included in the stipulation after a divorce has taken place, or the action of guardianship is renewed by novation after puberty; if this was the express intention which was not referred to by anyone when issue was joined. For, in bringing suit, we do not render our position worse but better, as is usually said with reference to actions which can be terminated by lapse of time, or by death.
30 Idem libro quinto responsorum. Paulus respondit, si creditor a Sempronio novandi animo stipulatus esset ita, ut a prima obligatione in universum discederetur, rursum easdem res a posteriore debitore sine consensu prioris obligari non posse.
30 The Same, Opinions, Book V. Paulus gave it as his opinion that if a creditor, with the intention of making a novation, should stipulate with Sempronius in such a way as to entirely abandon the first obligation, the same property could not be encumbered by the second debtor without the consent of the first.
31 Venuleius libro tertio stipulationum. Si rem aliquam dari stipulatus sum, deinde eandem sub condicione novandi animo ab eodem stipuler, manere oportet rem in rebus humanis, ut novationi locus sit, nisi si per promissorem steterit, quo minus daret. ideoque si hominem mihi dare te oporteat et in mora fueris, quo minus dares, etiam defuncto eo teneris: et si, priusquam decederet, cum iam mora facta sit, eundem a te sub condicione stipulatus fuero et servus postea decesserit, deinde condicio exstiterit, cum iam ex stipulatu obligatus es mihi, novatio quoque fiet. 1Si duo rei stipulandi sint, an alter ius novandi habeat, quaeritur et quid iuris unusquisque sibi adquisierit. fere autem convenit et uni recte solvi et unum iudicium petentem totam rem in litem deducere, item unius acceptilatione peremi utrisque obligationem: ex quibus colligitur unumquemque perinde sibi adquisisse, ac si solus stipulatus esset, excepto eo quod etiam facto eius, cum quo commune ius stipulantis est, amittere debitorem potest. secundum quae si unus ab aliquo stipuletur, novatione quoque liberare eum ab altero poterit, cum id specialiter agit, eo magis cum eam stipulationem similem esse solutioni existimemus. alioquin quid dicemus, si unus delegaverit creditori suo communem debitorem isque ab eo stipulatus fuerit? aut mulier fundum iusserit doti promittere viro, vel nuptura ipsi doti eum promiserit? nam debitor ab utroque liberabitur.
31 Venuleius, Stipulations, Book III. If I stipulate for something to be given me, and I afterwards stipulate for the same thing with the same person under a condition, with the intention of making a novation, the property must remain in existence in order for there to be ground for the novation, unless the promisor was required to give it. Therefore, if you are obliged to deliver me a slave, and you are in default in doing so, you will be liable even if the slave should die, and if, before he dies, you are already in default, and I stipulate with you for the same slave under a condition, and the slave afterwards dies, and then the condition is fulfilled, as you are already liable to me under the stipulation, novation will alscr take place. 1Where there are two joint-stipulators, the question arises whether one of them has the right to make a novation, and what right each acquires for himself. Generally speaking, it is established that payment may properly be made to one, and that if one institutes proceedings he brings the entire matter into court, just as where one is released, the obligation of both is extinguished. From this it may be gathered that each of them acquires for himself, just as if he alone had stipulated; except that each of them, by the act of him with whom the stipulation was jointly made, can lose his debtor. According to this, if one of the joint-stipulators enters into another agreement with a third party, he can, by novation, release him from liability to the other joint-stipulator, if such was his express intention; and there is all the more reason for this, as we think that the stipulation resembles payment. Otherwise, what shall we say if one of them delegates the common debtor to his creditor, and the latter stipulates with him; or a woman orders a tract of land to be promised to her husband by way of dowry; or, if she was about to marry him, she should promise him the land as dowry? The debtor would be released, so far as both parties are concerned.
32 Paulus libro primo ad Neratium. Te hominem et Seium decem mihi dare oportet: stipulor ab altero novandi causa ita: ‘quod te aut Seium dare oportet’: utrumque novatur. Paulus: merito, quia utrumque in posteriorem deducitur stipulationem.
32 Paulus, On Neratius, Book I. You are obliged to deliver me a slave, and Seius must pay me ten aurei. I stipulate for the purpose of making a novation with one of you, as follows, “What you, or Seius must give.” Both obligations are subjected to novation. Paulus: This is reasonable, because both of them are included in the last stipulation.
33 Tryphoninus libro septimo disputationum. Si Titius donare mihi volens delegatus a me creditori meo stipulanti spopondit, non habebit adversus eum illam exceptionem, ut quatenus facere potest condemnetur: nam adversus me tali defensione merito utebatur, quia donatum ab eo petebam, creditor autem debitum persequitur.
33 Tryphoninus, Disputations, Book VII. If Titius, desiring to make a donation to me, and having been delegated by me, promises my creditor, who is the stipulator, he will not be entitled to use the exception against him in such a way as to have judgment rendered against him to the extent of his means; but he can properly make such a defence against me, because I demanded what he had already given him. The creditor, however, can collect the debt.
34 Gaius libro tertio de verborum obligationibus. Dubitari non debet, quin filius servusve, cui administratio peculii permissa est, novandi quoque peculiaria debita ius habeat, utique si ipsi stipulentur, maxime si etiam meliorem suam condicionem eo modo faciunt. nam si alium iubeant stipulari, interest, utrum donandi animo alium iubeant stipulari an ut ipsi filio servove negotium gerat: quo nomine etiam mandati actio peculio adquiritur. 1Adgnatum furiosi aut prodigi curatorem novandi ius habere minime dubitandum est, si hoc furioso vel prodigo expediat. 2In summa admonendi sumus nihil vetare una stipulatione plures obligationes novari, veluti si ita stipulemur: ‘quod Titium et Seium mihi dare oportet, id dari spondes?’ licet enim ex diversis causis singuli fuerant obligati, utrique tamen novationis iure liberantur, cum utriusque obligatio in huius personam, a quo nunc stipulemur, confluat.
34 Gaius, On Oral Obligations, Book III. It cannot be doubted that a son under paternal control or a slave who is permitted to manage his own peculium has also the right to make the debts of the peculium the subject of novation, if the parties stipulate; and this is by all means the case if his condition will be improved by doing so. For if he directs a third party to stipulate, it makes a difference whether this is done with the intention of making a donation, or in order that he may transact the business of the son or the slave, and on this ground the action on mandate with reference to the peculium is acquired by them. 1There is no doubt whatever that the relative of an insane person, or the curator of a spendthrift, has the right of novation, if this is to the advantage of the said insane person or spendthrift. 2In a word, we should remember that there is nothing to prevent the novation of several obligations by one agreement, as for instance, if we stipulate as follows, “Do you promise to pay what Titius and Seius are obliged to pay me?” for although they are liable for different reasons, still both are released by the right of novation, as the liability of both is united in the person of him with whom we now stipulate.