to be the better man shows this in public fight.


G.M. This is worth while, so that factions should not be
cherished for the harm of the fatherland, and so that civil wars
might not occur, for by means of these a tyrant often arises, as
the examples of Rome and Athens show. Now, I pray you,
tell me of their works and matter connected therewith.


Capt. I believe that you have already heard about their
military affairs and about their agricultural and pastoral life,
and in what way these are common to them, and how they
honor with the first grade of nobility whoever is considered to
have knowledge of these. They who are skilful in more arts
than these they consider still nobler, and they set that one apart
for teaching the art in which he is most skilful. The occupa-
tions which require the most labor, such as working in metals
and building, are the most praiseworthy among them. No
one declines to go to these occupations, for the reason that from
the beginning their propensities are well known, and among
them, on account of the distribution of labor, no one does work
harmful to him, but only that which is necessary for him. The
occupations entailing less labor belong to the women. All of
them are expected to know how to swim, and for this reason
ponds are dug outside the walls of the city and within them
near to the fountains.

Commerce is of little use to them, but they know the value of
money, and they count for the use of their ambassadors and ex-