The republic of Cicero · Marcus Tullius Cicero
L. Oh! my farmer!
S. Well, at home, I suppose, several are entrusted with the management of your affairs? L. No, only one. S. What, your whole establishment! does no one but yourself manage it? L. Just so. S. Do not you therefore accede to the same conclusion in public affairs: that the government of a single person, if it is a just one, is the best? L. I am brought to the conclusion, and must almost assent to it. XL. You will be more inclined to that opinion, said Scipio, when omitting the analogies of one pilot, one physician, who if they are any way skilled in their arts, ought one to have the control of the ship; the other of the patient, in preference to many; I come to the consideration of greater matters.
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