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For what men say is that, if I am really just and am not also

thought just profit there is none, but the pain and loss on the

other hand are unmistakeable. But if, though unjust, I acquire

the reputation of justice, a heavenly life is promised to me.

Since then, as philosophers prove, appearance tyrannizes over

truth and is lord of happiness, to appearance I must devote

myself. I will describe around me a picture and shadow of virtue

to be the vestibule and exterior of my house; behind I will trail

the subtle and crafty fox, as Archilochus, greatest of sages,

recommends. But I hear some one exclaiming that the concealment

of wickedness is often difficult; to which I answer, Nothing

great is easy. Nevertheless, the argument indicates this, if we

would be happy, to be the path along which we should proceed.

With a view to concealment we will establish secret brotherhoods

and political clubs.