If I have since depicted our own Roman constitution as an example, it was not in order to define the very best form of government, for that may be understood without an example; but I wished, in the exhibition of a mighty commonwealth actually in existence, to render distinct and visible what reason and discourse would vainly attempt to display without the assistance of experimental illustration.

Yet, if you still require me to describe the best form of government, independent of all particular examples, we must consult that exactly proportioned and graduated image of government which nature herself presents to her investigators.

Since you * * * this model of a city and people[328] * * * XL.

* * * which I also am searching for, and which I am anxious to arrive at.
_Laelius._ You mean the model that would be approved by the truly accomplished politician?
_Scipio._ The same.
_Laelius._ You have plenty of fair patterns even now before you, if you would but begin with yourself.
Then Scipio said: I wish I could find even one such, even in the entire senate.

For he is really a wise politician who, as we have often seen in Africa, while seated on a huge and unsightly elephant, can guide and rule the monster, and turn him whichever way he likes by a slight admonition, without any actual exertion.
_Laelius._ I recollect, and when I was your lieutenant I often saw, one of these drivers.
_Scipio._ Thus an Indian or Carthaginian regulates one of these huge animals, and renders him docile and familiar with human manners.