He who obeys the law is blameless, but he who disobeys must not be a gainer by his celibacy; and therefore he shall pay a yearly fine, and shall not be allowed to receive honour from the young.

That is an example of what I call the double law, which may enable us to judge how far the addition of persuasion to threats is desirable.

'Lacedaemonians in general, Stranger, are in favour of brevity; in this case, however, I prefer length.

But Cleinias is the real lawgiver, and he ought to be first consulted.' 'Thank you, Megillus.' Whether words are to be many or few, is a foolish question:--the best and not the shortest forms are always to be approved.

And legislators have never thought of the advantages which they might gain by using persuasion as well as force, but trust to force only.