Pagina 548 de 734

Thus we see that Unity of Sentiment has for its object matters of

action, and such of these as are of importance, and of mutual,

or, in the case of single States, common, interest: when, for

instance, all agree in the choice of magistrates, or forming

alliance with the Lacedaemonians, or appointing Pittacus ruler

(that is to say, supposing he himself was willing). But when each

wishes himself to be in power (as the brothers in the

Phoenissae), they quarrel and form parties: for, plainly, Unity

of Sentiment does not merely imply that each entertains the same

idea be it what it may, but that they do so in respect of the

same object, as when both the populace and the sensible men of a

State desire that the best men should be in office, because then

all attain their object.

Thus Unity of Sentiment is plainly a social Friendship, as it is

also said to be: since it has for its object-matter things

expedient and relating to life.