Believe that your staunchest body-guard lies in the virtue of your friends, the loyalty
 of your citizens and your own wisdom; Cf. Isoc. 10.37 . for it is through these that one can best
 acquire as well as keep the powers of royalty. Watch over the estates of your citizens,
 and consider that the spenders are paying from your pocket, and the workers are adding to
 your wealth; for all the property of those who live in the state belongs to kings who rule
 them well. Throughout all your life show that you value truth so highly that your word is more to be
 trusted than the oaths of other men. Cf. Isoc. 4.81 . To all foreigners, see that the city offers
 security and good faith in its engagements; and in your treatment of those who come from
 abroad, make the most, not of those who bring you gifts, but of those who expect to
 receive gifts from you; for by honoring such men you will have greater esteem from the
 rest of the world. Deliver your citizens from their many fears, and be not willing that dread should beset
 men who have done no wrong; for even as you dispose others toward you, so you will feel
 toward them. Do nothing in anger, but simulate anger when the occasion demands it. Show
 yourself stern by overlooking nothing which men do, but kind by making the punishment less
 than the offense. Be not willing to show your authority by harshness or by undue severity in punishment,
 but by causing your subjects one and all to defer to your judgement and to believe that
 your plans for their welfare are better than their own. Be warlike in your knowledge of
 war and in your preparations for it, but peaceful in your avoidance of all unjust
 aggression. Cf. Isoc.
 8.136 . Deal with weaker states as you would expect stronger states to deal
 with you. For the golden rule in the relations of states
 compare Isoc. 4.81 . Cf. Isoc.
 1.14 and note. 
 Do not be contentious in all things, but only where it will profit you to have your own
 way. Do not think men weak who yield a point to their own advantage, but rather those who
 prevail to their own injury. Do not consider that the great souls are those who undertake
 more than they can achieve, but those who, having noble aims, are also able to accomplish
 whatever they attempt.