f women, and he puts men to death without trial. On the other
hand the rule of many has first a name attaching to it which is the
fairest of all names, that is to say 'Equality'; 70 next, the multitude
does none of those things which the monarch does: offices of state are
exercised by lot, and the magistrates are compelled to render account
of their action: and finally all matters of deliberation are referred to
the public assembly. I therefore give as my opinion that we let monarchy
go and increase the power of the multitude; for in the many is contained
everything."

81. This was the opinion expressed by Otanes; but Megabyzos urged that
they should entrust matters to the rule of a few, saying these words:
"That which Otanes said in opposition to a tyranny, let it be counted as
said for me also, but in that which he said urging that we should make
over the power to the multitude, he has missed the best counsel: for
nothing is more senseless or insolent than a worthless crowd; and
for men flying from the insolence of a despot to fall into that of
unrestrained popular power, is by no means to be endured: for he, if he
does anything, does it knowing what he does, but the people cannot even
know; for how can that know which has neither been taught anything noble
by others nor perceived anything of itself, 71 but pushes on matters
with violent impulse and without understanding, like a torrent stream?
Rule of the people then let them adopt who are foes to the Persians; but
let us choose a company of the best men, and to them attach the chief
power; for in the number of these we shall ourselves also be, and it is
likely that the resolutions taken by the best men will be the best."

82. This was the opinion expressed by Megabyzos; and thirdly Dareios
proceeded to declare his opinion, saying: "To me it seems that in
those things which Megabyzos said with regard to the multitude he spoke
rightly, but in those which he said with regard to the rule of a few,
not rightly: for whereas there are three things set before us, and each
is supposed 72 to be the best in its own kind, that is to say a good
popular government, and the rule of a few, and thirdly the rule of
one, I say that this last is by far superior to the others; for nothing
better can be found than the rule of an individual man of the best
kind; seeing that using the best judgment he would be guardian of the
multitude without reproach; and resolutions directed against ene