government can ever make to the true government of the one scientific

ruler, is to do nothing contrary to their own written laws and national

customs.

YOUNG SOCRATES: Very good.

STRANGER: When the rich imitate the true form, such a government is

called aristocracy; and when they are regardless of the laws, oligarchy.

YOUNG SOCRATES: True.

STRANGER: Or again, when an individual rules according to law in

imitation of him who knows, we call him a king; and if he rules

according to law, we give him the same name, whether he rules with

opinion or with knowledge.

YOUNG SOCRATES: To be sure.

STRANGER: And when an individual truly possessing knowledge rules, his

name will surely be the same--he will be called a king; and thus the

five names of governments, as they are now reckoned, become one.

YOUNG SOCRATES: That is true.

STRANGER: And when an individual ruler governs neither by law nor by

custom, but following in the steps of the true man of science pretends

101

Statesman