also necessary that he should understand all the mechanical
arts, the physical sciences, astrology and mathematics. Near-
ly every two days they teach our mechanical art. They are not
allowed to overwork themselves, but frequent practice and the
paintings render learning easy to them. Not too much care
is given to the cultivation of languages, as they have a goodly
number of interpreters who are grammarians in the State.
But beyond everything else it is necessary that Hoh should
understand metaphysics and theology; that he should know
thoroughly the derivations, foundations, and demonstrations of
all the arts and sciences; the likeness and difference of things;
necessity, fate, and the harmonies of the universe; power, wis-
dom, and the love of things and of God; the stages of life and
its symbols; everything relating to the heavens, the earth, and
the sea; and the ideas of God, as much as mortal man can know
of him. He must also be well read in the prophets and in as-
trology. And thus they know long beforehand who will be
Hoh. He is not chosen to so great a dignity unless he has at-
tained his thirty-fifth year. And this office is perpetual, be-
cause it is not known who may be too wise for it or who too
skilled in ruling.


G.M. Who indeed can be so wise? If even anyone has a
knowledge of the sciences it seems that he must be unskilled
in ruling.


Capt. This very question I asked them and they replied
thus: "We, indeed, are more certain that such a very learned