The Good Book_ A Secular Bible - A. C. Grayling [246]
10. For even if in general the two men did not consider themselves friends,
11. On such occasions they usually thought it proper to show honour and friendliness to each other on account of their office.
12. Inasmuch, therefore, as the omission of so slight an act of courtesy brought a reputation for haughtiness to Scipio, a man in other respects admirable,
13. How can anyone be considered honourable and fair-minded who detracts from the dignity of a colleague in office,
14. Or maliciously flouts him by actions which reveal ambitious rivalry,
15. Or is so self-willed that he arrogates and annexes to himself everything, in short, at the expense of his colleague?
16. I recollect that when I was still a young man I was sent with another as envoy to the proconsul;
17. The other man was somehow left behind. I alone met the proconsul and accomplished the business.
18. Now when I came back and was to make the report of our mission, my father left his seat and told me in private not to say ‘I went’, but ‘we went’,
19. Not ‘I said’, but ‘we said’, and in all other ways to associate my colleague in a joint report.
20. For that sort of thing is not only honourable and kind, but it also takes the sting out of any envy of our reputation.
21. Most people say and believe that it is the business of political teaching to cause men to be good subjects;
22. For, they say, the subject class is in every state larger than the ruling class;
23. And each official rules but a short time, whereas he is ruled all the time, if he is a citizen of a democracy;
24. So that it is a most excellent and useful thing to learn to obey those in authority, even if they happen to be deficient in power and reputation.
25. For it is absurd that in a tragedy the chief actor often makes his entrance after a hireling who takes third-class parts,
26. And addresses him in humble fashion just because the latter wears the diadem and sceptre,
27. But that in real affairs and in government the rich and famous man belittles and despises the official who is plebeian and poor,
28. Thereby using his own high standing to insult and destroy that of the state, instead of enhancing it rather and adding to the office the esteem and power derived from himself.
29. So at Sparta the kings gave precedence to the ephors,
30. And if any other Spartans were summoned, they did not walk slowly in obeying the summons,
31. But by running eagerly at full speed through the marketplace they exhibited to their fellow-citizens their rejoicing in paying honour to the state.
32. They did not behave like some uncultured and unmannerly persons who, as if swaggering in the excess of their own power,
33. Abuse the umpires at the games, revile the chorus at festivals and jeer at generals and gymnasiarchs,
34. Not knowing and not understanding that it is often more glorious to pay honour than to receive it.
35. For to a man who has great power in the state greater distinction accrues through serving in the bodyguard and the escort of an official than through being so served and escorted by him,
36. Or rather the latter brings him dislike and envy, but the former brings true reputation, that which comes from goodwill;
37. And by being seen sometimes at the official’s door, by greeting him first, and by putting him in the best place in walking alongside him,
38. A man adds lustre to the state without taking anything from himself.
39. It is also a service to the people sometimes to endure the evil speech and anger of a man in office,
40. Putting off requital to the right time; for then either we shall respond to him after his term of office is ended,
41. Or in the delay our gain will be the cessation of anger.
Chapter 28
1. One should, however, deal always and with every official in zeal, forethought for the common good, and wisdom;
2. If they are worthy men, voluntarily suggesting and pointing out to them things to be done, and allowing them to