[CELSUS libro undecimo digestorum. ] §27.8.7.prIn magistratus qui tutorem dederunt rogo rescribas utrum pro uirili portione actio danda sit, an optio sit eius qui pupillus fuit, cum quo potissimum agat.
[CELSUS, in the eleventh book of the Digests.] I ask that you write in reply, regarding the magistrates who appointed a guardian, whether the action ought to be given for a virile portion, or whether he who was the pupil has the option of whom he should preferably sue.
respondit, si dolo fecerunt magistratus, ut minus pupillo caueretur, in quem uult actio ei danda in solidum est: sin culpa dumtaxat eorum neque dolo malo id factum est, aequius esse existimo pro portione in quemque eorum actionem dari, dum pupillo salua res sit.
He replied: if the magistrates acted with malice, so that less security was provided to the pupil, the action is to be given to him for the whole amount against whichever one he wishes; but if this was done merely by their negligence and not with malice, I think it is more equitable that the action be given against each of them for a portion, provided that the property remains safe for the pupil.