As, before putting up a large building, the architect surveys and sounds the site to see if it will bear the weight, the wise legislator does not begin by laying down laws good in themselves, but by investigating the fitness of the people, for which they are destined, to receive them. Plato refused to legislate for the Arcadians and the Cyrenaeans, because he knew that both peoples were rich and could not put up with equality; and good laws and bad men were found together in Crete, because Minos had inflicted discipline on a people already burdened with vice. |
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| As, before building, the architect surveys it legislator themselves, investigating the people, which they are destined, receive them. Plato for Arcadians Cyrenaeans, because both up with equality; men Crete, had discipline a burdened vice.
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