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Let us look at the question from another point of view: Are not

the rulers in a State those to whom you would entrust the office

of determining suits at law?

Certainly.

And are suits decided on any other ground but that a man may

neither take what is another's, nor be deprived of what is his

own?

Yes; that is their principle.

Which is a just principle?

Yes.

Then on this view also justice will be admitted to be the having

and doing what is a man's own, and belongs to him?

Very true.

Think, now, and say whether you agree with me or not. Suppose a

carpenter to be doing the business of a cobbler, or a cobbler of

a carpenter; and suppose them to exchange their implements or

their duties, or the same person to be doing the work of both, or

whatever be the change; do you think that any great harm would

result to the State?

Not much.