第878页 / 共1391页

But him who fails, we must reject. I am inclined to think that

this is the sort of way in which our rulers and guardians should

be chosen and appointed. I speak generally, and not with any

pretension to exactness.

And, speaking generally, I agree with you, he said.

And perhaps the word 'guardian' in the fullest sense ought to be

applied to this higher class only who preserve us against foreign

enemies and maintain peace among our citizens at home, that the

one may not have the will, or the others the power, to harm us.

The young men whom we before called guardians may be more

properly designated auxiliaries and supporters of the principles

of the rulers.

I agree with you, he said.

How then may we devise one of those needful falsehoods of which

we lately spoke-just one royal lie which may deceive the rulers,

if that be possible, and at any rate the rest of the city?

What sort of lie? he said.