All states as units are divided into tribes ({thulas}), or regiments ({moras}), or companies ({lokhous}), and there are officers ({arkhontes}) appointed in command of each division. (14)
(14) e.g. Attica into ten phylae, Lacedaemon into six morae, Thebes
and Argos into lochi. See Aristot. "Pol." v. 8 (Jowett, i. 166);
"Hell." VI. iv. 13; VII. ii. 4.
Well then, suppose that some one were to offer prizes (15) to these political departments on the pattern of the choric prizes just described; prizes for excellence of arms, or skill in tactics, or for discipline and so forth, or for skill in horsemanship; prizes for prowess (16) in the field of battle, bravery in war; prizes for uprightness (17) in fulfilment of engagements, contracts, covenants. If so, I say it is to be expected that these several matters, thanks to emulous ambition, will one and all be vigorously cultivated. Vigorously! why, yes, upon my soul, and what a rush there would be! How in the pursuit of honour they would tear along where duty called: with what promptitude pour in their money contributions (18) at a time of crisis.
(15) See "Revenues," iii. 3; A. Zurborg, "de. Xen. Lib. qui {Poroi}
inscribitur," p. 42.
(16) Cf. "Hell." III. iv. 16; IV. ii. 5 foll.
(17) "In reward for justice in, etc." See "Revenues," l.c.; and for
the evil in question, Thuc. i. 77; Plat. "Rep." 556.
(18) {eispheroien}, techn. of the war-tax at Athens. See "Revenues,"
iii. 7 foll.; iv. 34 foll.; Thuc. iii. 19; Boeckh, "P. E. A." pp.
470, 539. Cf. Aristot. "Pol." v. 11. 10, in illustration of the
tyrant's usual method of raising money.
And that which of all arts is the most remunerative, albeit the least accustomed hitherto to be conducted on the principle of competition (19)—I mean agriculture—itself would make enormous strides, if some one were to offer prizes in the same way, "by farms and villages," to those who should perform the works of tillage in the fairest fashion. Whilst to those members of the state who should devote themselves with might and main to this pursuit, a thousand blessings would be the result. The revenues would be increased; and self-restraint be found far more than now, in close attendance on industrious habits. (20) Nay further, crimes and villainies take root and spring less freely among busy workers.
(19) Al. "and what will be the most repaying... being a department
of things least wont," etc.
(20) Or, "soundness of soul much more be found allied with
occupation."
Once more, if commerce (21) is of any value to the state, then let the merchant who devotes himself to commerce on the grandest scale receive some high distinction, and his honours will draw on other traders in his wake.
(21) Cf. "Revenues," l.c.
Or were it made apparent that the genius who discovers a new source of revenue, which will not be vexatious, will be honoured, by the state, a field of exploration will at once be opened, which will not long continue unproductive. (22)
(22) Lit. "that too is an inquiry which will not long lie fallow."