Nor are they open to the reproach that though they were kings, they ruled
 over a petty state. On the contrary, as their family is honoured above all
 in their fatherland, so is their state glorious above all in Greece ; thus they are not first in the
 second rank, but leaders in a community of leaders. On one account his fatherland and his family are worthy to be praised
 together, for never at any time has the state been moved by jealousy of
 their pre-eminence to attempt the overthrow of their government, and never
 at any time have the kings striven to obtain greater powers than were
 conferred on them originally at their succession to the throne. For this
 reason, while no other government — democracy, oligachy, despotism or
 kingdom — can can lay claim to an unbroken existence, this kingdom alone
 stands fast continually.