291
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Tell me; for you seem to have caught sight of something strange.
Stranger
Str. Yes, for ignorance makes things seem strange to everybody. That was what happened to me just now; when I suddenly caught sight of them I did not recognize the troop of those who busy themselves with the affairs of the state.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. What troop?
Stranger
Str. That which of all the sophists is the greatest charlatan and most practised in charlatanry. This, although it is a hard thing to do, must be separated from the band of really statesmanlike and kingly men, if we are to get a clear view of the object of our search.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. But we certainly cannot give that up.
10
Stranger
Str. No, of course not. I agree to that. And now please answer a question.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. What is it?
Stranger
Str. We agree that monarchy is one of the forms of government, do we not?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Yes.
Stranger
Str. And after monarchy one might, I should say, mention the rule of the few.
15
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Yes, of course.
Stranger
Str. And a third form of government is the rule of the multitude, called democracy, is it not?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Yes, certainly.
Stranger
Str. Do not these three become after a fashion five, producing out of themselves two additional names?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. What names?
20
Stranger
Str. People nowadays are likely to take into consideration enforced subjection and voluntary obedience, poverty and wealth, law and lawlessness as they occur in governments, and so they divide two of the forms we mentioned, giving to the two aspects of monarchy the two names tyranny and royalty.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Certainly.
