Opening Hiero — Xenophon in Plato Scroll…
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Xenophon · H. G. Dakyns
[Image: Hiero] Simonides, the poet, once paid a visit to Hiero, the despot. When both found time to spare, Simonides said: “Hiero, will you please explain something to me that you probably know better than I?” “And pray what is it,” said Hiero, “that I can know better than one so wise as yourself?” “I know you were born a private citizen,” he answered, “and are now a despot. Therefore, as you have experienced both fortunes, you probably know better than I how the lives of the despot and the citizen differ as regards the joys and sorrows that fall to man’s lot.” “Surely,” said Hiero, “seeing that you are still a private citizen, it is for you to remind me of what happens in a citizen’s life; and then, I think, I could best show you the differences between the two.” “Well,” said Simonides, taking the suggestion, “I think I have observed that sights affect private citizens with pleasure …
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