Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 81 / §§288–293

Printed page 81 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §288, §289, §290, §291, §292, §293. The opening continues §287 from the preceding page. thy practice, since all thy actions are directed by God." (71) Delighted at his words, he inquired of the next one, "Which is the best for the people, that a commoner should be set over them{1} as king, or one born of royal blood ? " And he said, " He who has the noblest nature. For _some_ kings of royal lineage are inhuman and harsh towards their subjects; and much more is this true of some who have risen from the ranks, who after experiencing misery and a taste of poverty have, on becoming rulers of multitudes, proved themselves more cruel than the unholy tyrants. But, as I said before, a good disposition which has had the advantage of culture is fitted to bear rule, even as thou art a great king, not so much through the pre-eminent glory of thy rule and thy wealth, as because thou hast outstripped all men in gentleness and kindness, since God has conferred these gifts upon thee." (72) He commended him at some length,{2} and asked him who was last of all, " What is the greatest achievement in the office of a king?" To this he replied, "If his subjects enjoy continual peace and get speedy justice done them when their cases are tried. And these results follow when the governor is a hater of evil and a lover of good and makes much of the saving of a man's life; even as thou regardest injustice as the greatest of evils, and by thy just government in all things hast procured for thyself an imperishable renown, since God vouchsafes to give thee a pure mind untainted with evil." When his speech was ended, there was a burst of applause with shouting and jubilation lasting for a good TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 81 {1} Text emended: MSS "appointed by them." {2} Possibly the words "during a long time " should be attached to the preceding speech.