G.M. Tell me, please, of the magistrates, their services and
duties, of the education and mode of living, whether the gov-
ernment is a monarchy, a republic, or an aristocracy.


Capt. This race of men came there from India, flying from
the sword of the Magi, a race of plunderers and tyrants who
laid waste their country, and they determined to lead a philo-
sophic life in fellowship with one another. Although the com-
munity of wives is not instituted among the other inhabitants
of their province, among them it is in use after this manner:
All things are common with them, and their dispensation is by
the authority of the magistrates. Arts and honors and pleas-
ures are common, and are held in such a manner that no one
can appropriate anything to himself.

They say that all private property is acquired and improved
for the reason that each one of us by himself has his own home
and wife and children. From this, self-love springs. For
when we raise a son to riches and dignities, and leave an heir to
much wealth, we become either ready to grasp at the property of
the State, if in any case fear should be removed from the power
which belongs to riches and rank; or avaricious, crafty, and
hypocritical, if anyone is of slender purse, little strength, and
mean ancestry. But when we have taken away self-love, there
remains only love for the State.


G.M. Under such circumstances no one will be willing to