Book 3
690
Ath. Yes, and one that is very prevalent among all kinds of creatures, being according to nature, as Pindar of Thebes once said.Cp. Plat. Gorg. 484b Πίνδαρος . . . λέγει ὅτι Νόμος . . . κατὰ ρύσιν ἄγει δικαιῶν τὸ βιαιότατον ὑπερτάτᾳ χεπί. The most important right is, it would seem, the sixth, which ordains that the man without understanding should follow, and the wise man lead and rule. Nevertheless, my most sapient Pindar, this is a thing that I, for one, would hardly assert to be against nature, but rather according thereto—the natural rule of law, without force, over willing subjects.
690
Clin. A very just observation.
690
Ath. Heaven’s favour and good-luck mark the seventh form of rule, where we bring a man forward for a casting of lots, and declare that if he gains the lot he will most justly be ruler, but if he fails he shall take his place among the ruled.
690
Clin. Very true.
690
Ath. Seest thou, O legislator,—it is thus we might playfully address one of those who lightly start on the task of legislation—how many are the rights pertaining to rulers, and how they are essentially opposed to one another? Herein we have now discovered a source of factions, which thou must remedy. So do thou, in the first place, join with us in enquiring how it came to pass, and owing to what transgression of those rights, that the kings of Argos and Messene brought ruin alike on themselves and on the Hellenic power, splendid as it was at that epoch. Was it not through ignorance of that most true saying of HesiodCp. Hes. WD 638 ff.; Rep. 466 C.: the meaning is that when the whole is excessive, the moderate half is preferable; this maxim being here applied to excesses of political power. that oftimes the half is greater than the whole?
690
Clin. Most true, indeed.
690
Ath. Is it our view, then, that this causes ruin when it is found in kings rather than when found in peoples?
691
Clin. Probably this is, in the main, a disease of kings, in whom luxury breeds pride of life.
