S. Why therefore do you hesitate in your opinion about public affairs; where if the administration is transferred to many, there will be no one, as I now understand it, to take the command. And it seems that if authority is not one thing, it is nothing at all.
XXXIX. “I would ask,” said Lælius, “of what consequence it is to us, whether one or many, if justice is dispensed by the latter.” “Since I find Lælius,” said Scipio, “that my witnesses have made no great impression on you, I shall not desist from making use of yourself as a witness to prove what I say.” “Me,” said he, “in what way?”
S. Why adverting to the directions you so earnestly gave to your family, when we were lately at Formianum; to obey only the orders of one person.
L. Oh! my farmer!
S. Well, at home, I suppose, several are entrusted with the management of your affairs?
L. No, only one.
S. What, your whole establishment! does no one but yourself manage it?
L. Just so.
S. Do not you therefore accede to the same conclusion in public affairs: that the government of a single person, if it is a just one, is the best?
L. I am brought to the conclusion, and must almost assent to it.