the state, then let the
merchant who devotes himself to commerce on the grandest scale receive
some high distinction, and his honours will draw on other traders in his
wake.

(21) Cf. "Revenues," l.c.

Or were it made apparent that the genius who discovers a new source of
revenue, which will not be vexatious, will be honoured, by the state,
a field of exploration will at once be opened, which will not long
continue unproductive. (22)

(22) Lit. "that too is an inquiry which will not long lie fallow."

And to speak compendiously, if it were obvious in each department
that the introducer of any salutary measure whatsoever will not remain
unhonoured, that in itself will stimulate a host of pople who will make
it their business to discover some good thing or other for the state.
Wherever matters of advantage to the state excite deep interest, of
necessity discoveries are made more freely and more promptly perfected.
But if you are afraid, O mighty prince, that through the multitude
of prizes offered (23) under many heads, expenses also must be much
increased, consider that no articles of commerce can be got more cheaply
than those which people purchase in exchange for prizes. Note in the
public contests (choral, equestrian, or gymnastic) (24) how small the
prizes are and yet what vast expenditure of wealth and toil, and painful
supervision these elicit. (25)

(23) Reading {protithemenon} with Cobet.

(24) Lit. "hippic, gymnic, and choregic contests."

(25) e.g. "in the choral dances (1) money on the part of the choragoi;
(2) pains on the part of the choreutai; (3) supervising care on
the part of the choro-didaskoi, and so mutatis mutandis of the
hippic and gymnic."

X

And Hiero replied: Thus far you reason prettily, methinks, Simonides;
but about these mercenary troops have you aught to say? Can you suggest
a means to avoid the hatred of which they are the cause? Or will you
tell me that a ruler who has won the affection of his subjects has no
need for body-guards?

Nay, in good sooth (replied Simonides), distinctly he will need them
none the less. I know it is with certain human beings as with horses,
some trick of the blood they have, some inborn tendency; the more their
wants are satisfied, the more their wantonness will out. Well then, to
sober and chastise wild spirits, there is nothing like the terror of
your men-at-arms. (1) And as to gentler natures, (2) I do not know by
what mea