Strona 211 z 1391

Can there be strife and contention among those who are of one

mind; or lawsuits about property when men have nothing but their

bodies which they call their own; or suits about violence when

every one is bound to defend himself? The permission to strike

when insulted will be an 'antidote' to the knife and will prevent

disturbances in the State. But no younger man will strike an

elder; reverence will prevent him from laying hands on his

kindred, and he will fear that the rest of the family may

retaliate. Moreover, our citizens will be rid of the lesser evils

of life; there will be no flattery of the rich, no sordid

household cares, no borrowing and not paying. Compared with the

citizens of other States, ours will be Olympic victors, and

crowned with blessings greater still-they and their children

having a better maintenance during life, and after death an

honourable burial.