rivate life so far. And whilst investigating if this be really so,
let us not embarrass the inquiry by asking whether in proportion to his
greater power the ruler is able to do kindness on a grander scale. But
put it thus: Two human beings, the one in humble circumstances, (4) the
other a despotic ruler, perform a common act; which of these twain will,
under like conditions, (5) win the larger thanks? I will begin with
the most trifling (6) examples; and first a simple friendly salutation,
"Good day," "Good evening," dropped at sight of some one from the
lips of here a ruler, there a private citizen. In such a case, whose
salutation will sound the pleasanter to him accosted?

(3) {to arkhein}. Cf. "Cyrop." passim.

(4) "A private person."

(5) Lit. "by like expenditure of power."

(6) {arkhomai soi}. Lit. "I'll begin you with quite commonplace
examples." Holden cf. Shakesp. "Merry Wives," i. 4. 97, "I'll do
you your master what good I can"; "Much Ado," ii. 3. 115, "She
will sit you." For the distinction between {paradeigmaton} =
examples and {upodeigmata} = suggestions see "Horsem." ii. 2.

Or again, (7) let us suppose that both should have occasion to pronounce
a panegyric. Whose compliments will carry farther, in the way of
delectation, think you? Or on occasion of a solemn sacrifice, suppose
they do a friend the honour of an invitation. (8) In either case it is
an honour, but which will be regarded with the greater gratitude, the
monarch's or the lesser man's?

(7) "Come now."

(8) Cf. "Mem." II. iii. 11 as to "sacrifices as a means of social
enjoyment." Dr. Holden cf. Aristot. "Nic. Eth." VIII. ix. 160,
"And hence it is that these clan communities and hundreds solemnise
sacrifices, in connection with which they hold large gatherings,
and thereby not only pay honour to the gods, but also provide for
themselves holiday and amusement" (R. Williams). Thuc. ii. 38,
"And we have not forgotten to provide for our weary spirits many
relaxations from toil; we have regular games and sacrifices
throughout the year" (Jowett). Plut. "Them." v., {kai gar
philothuten onta kai lampron en tais peri tous xenous dapanais
...} "For loving to sacrifice often, and to be splendid in his
entertainment of strangers, he required a plentiful revenue"
(Clough, i. 236). To which add Theophr. "Char." xv. 2, "The
Shameless Man": {eita thusas tois theois autos men deip