next, the laws by which in each case their civic life is governed; furthermore, freedom
 of speech and the privilege which is openly granted to friends to rebuke and to enemies to
 attack each other’s faults; besides, a number of the poets of earlier times Especially the “gnomic” poets mentioned in 43. have
 left precepts which direct them how to live; so that, from all these influences, they may
 reasonably be expected to become better men. Kings, however, have no such help; on the contrary, they, who more than other men should
 be thoroughly trained, live all their lives, from the time when they are placed in
 authority, without admonition; for the great majority of people do not come in contact
 with them, and those who are of their society consort with them to gain their favor.
 Indeed, although they are placed in authority over vast wealth and mighty affairs, they
 have brought it about because of their misuse of these advantages that many debate whether
 it were best to choose the life of men in private station who are reasonably prosperous,
 or the life of princes.