He has traced the growth of states from their rude beginnings in a philosophical spirit; but of any life or growth of the Hellenic world in future ages he is silent.

He has made the reflection that past time is the maker of states (Book iii.); but he does not argue from the past to the future, that the process is always going on, or that the institutions of nations are relative to their stage of civilization.

If he could have stamped indelibly upon Hellenic states the will of the legislator, he would have been satisfied.

The utmost which he expects of future generations is that they should supply the omissions, or correct the errors which younger statesmen detect in his enactments.

When institutions have been once subjected to this process of criticism, he would have them fixed for ever.
THE PREAMBLE.
BOOK I.Strangers, let me ask a question of you--Was a God or a man the author of your laws?
'A God, Stranger.