lly, either through
truce or terms of peace, respite from war; but for the tyrant, the day
of peace will never dawn. What peace can he have with those over whom
he exercises his despotic sway? (8) Nor have the terms of truce been yet
devised, on which the despotic ruler may rely with confidence. (9)

(5) {koinon}, i.e. making demands upon the energies of all the
citizens in common, as opposed to the personal character of war as
conducted by a despot = "public," "patriotic," "national" war. Al.
borne by the particular {polis} as member of a league, whether of
states united for the time being in a {summakhia}, or permanently
in a confederacy = a "federal" war.

(6) "Even if serving on a campaign in the enemy's country."

(7) Or, "he has to exercise the utmost vigilance."

(8) "With those who are 'absolutely governed,' not to say tyrannically
ruled."

(9) Or, "which the tyrant may accept in faith and go his way
rejoicing."

Wars doubtless there are, (10) wars waged by states and wars waged by
autocratic monarchs against those whom they have forcibly enslaved, and
in respect of these wars there is no hardship which any member of the
states at war (11) can suffer but the tyrant will feel it also. That
is to say, both must alike be under arms, keep guard, run risks; and
whatever the pains of defeat may be, they are equally sustained by both.
Up to this point there is no distinction. The "bitters" are equal. But
when we come to estimate the "sweets" derivable from warfare between
states, (12) the parallel ceases. The tyrant, if he shared the pains
before, no longer shares the pleasures now. What happens when a state
has gained the mastery in battle over her antagonist? It would be hard
(I take it) to describe the joy of that occurrence: joy in the rout,
joy in the pursuit, joy in the slaughter of their enemies; and in what
language shall I describe the exultation of these warriors at their
feats of arms? With what assumption they bind on their brows
the glittering wreath of glory; (13) with what mirth and jollity
congratulate themselves on having raised their city to newer heights
of fame. Each several citizen claims to have shared in the plan of the
campaign, (14) and to have slain the largest number. Indeed it would
be hard to find where false embellishment will not creep in, (15) the
number stated to be the slain exceeding that of those that actually
perished. So truly glorious a thin