Law of Athens

( The ). By A then i an law, a father could dispose of his daughter in marriage as he liked. Egēus pleaded this law, and demanded that his daughter Hermia should marry Demētri us, or suffer the penalty of the law; if she will not Consent to marry with Demetrius, I beg the ancient privilege of Athens; As she is mine, I may dispose of her: Which shall be either to this gentleman, Or to her death; according to our law. Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream , act i. sc. 1 (1592).