Book 2
1273b
But the constitution being oligarchical they best escape the dangers by being wealthy, as they constantly send out a portion of the common people toappointments in the cities; by this means they heal the social sore and make the constitution stable. However, this is the achievement of fortune, whereas freedom from civil strife ought to be secured by the lawgiver; but as it is, suppose some misfortune occurs and the multitude of the subject class revolts, there is no remedy provided by the laws to restore tranquillity.
1273b
This then is the character of the Spartan, Cretan and Carthaginian constitutions, which are justly famous.
