The governors of the boys are chosen from the elders, and those are appointed who are thought best fitted to make the best of their lads: the governors of the youths are selected from the grown men, and on the same principle; and for the grown men themselves and their own governors; the choice falls on those who will, it is hoped, make them most prompt to carry out their appointed duties, and fulfil the commands imposed by the supreme authority.

Finally, the elders themselves have presidents of their own, chosen to see that they too perform their duty to the full.
[6] We will now describe the services demanded from the different classes, and thus it will appear how the Persians endeavour to improve their citizens.

The boys go to school and give their time to learning justice and righteousness: they will tell you they come for that purpose, and the phrase is as natural with them as it is for us to speak of lads learning their letters.

The masters spend the chief part of the day in deciding cases for their pupils: for in this boy-world, as in the grown-up world without, occasions of indictment are never far to seek.
There will be charges, we know, of picking and stealing, of violence, of fraud, of calumny, and so forth.

The case is heard and the offender, if shown to be guilty, is punished.