Page 202 of 734

Such expenditure is fitting moreover for those to whom such

things previously belong, either through themselves or through

their ancestors or people with whom they are connected, and to

the high-born or people of high repute, and so on: because all

these things imply greatness and reputation.

So then the Magnificent man is pretty much as I have described

him, and Magnificence consists in such expenditures: because they

are the greatest and most honourable: and of private ones such as

come but once for all, marriage to wit, and things of that kind;

and any occasion which engages the interest of the community in

general, or of those who are in power; and what concerns

receiving and despatching strangers; and gifts, and repaying

gifts: because the Magnificent man is not apt to spend upon

himself but on the public good, and gifts are pretty much in the

same case as dedicatory offerings.