In an oligarchy a money qualification is established. They next proceed to make a law which fixes a sum [B]of money as the qualification of citizenship; the sum is higher in one place and lower in another, as the oligarchy is more or less exclusive; and they allow no one whose property falls below the amount fixed to have any share in the government. These changes in the constitution they effect by force of arms, if intimidation has not already done their work.
Very true.
And this, speaking generally, is the way in which oligarchy is established.
Yes, he said; but what are the characteristics of this form [C]of government, and what are the defects of which we were speaking[6]?
A ruler is elected because he is rich: Who would elect a pilot on this principle? First of all, I said, consider the nature of the qualification. Just think what would happen if pilots were to be chosen according to their property, and a poor man were refused permission to steer, even though he were a better pilot?
You mean that they would shipwreck?
Yes; and is not this true of the government of anything[7]? 257
[7] Omitting ἤ τινος.
I should imagine so.