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BOOK IV

agreeably those who administer the government in this way, and takes pleasure in fawning upon them and in anticipating their wishes and is expert in gratifying these, he will be a good man and wise in great matters, and will be honored by the authorities?"
" Yes," he replied, "I think the conduct is the same in both cases, and I am far from commending it."
" But again, do you not admire the courage and complaisance of those who are willing and eager to serve such States?"
" Yes," he replied, "I do, except those who allow themselves to be deluded, and who fancy that they are really statesmen because they are praised by the multitude."
" What do you mean? Do you make no allowance for the men? Do you think it is possible for a man who is ignorant of measuring, when a number of others who are equally ignorant tell him that he is six feet high, not to believe about himself what they say?"
" No, that would be impossible," he replied.
" Well then, don't be angry with our politicians; for I think they are of all men the most amusing, with their legislation upon such trifles as we have this moment described, with their amendments, with their constant expectation of putting an end to frauds in contracts, and settling all the vexed questions which we were just now speaking of, not once suspecting that they are really trying to cut off the heads of a hydra."