THE DUTY OF A HEAD OF STATE

It is his duty to associate with both classes of his people -- the military and the peaceful; and, in the case of those who dwell at a distance, he should use all opportunities of learning their wants by means of embassies, to which he should ever be accessible. He should select his soldiers, and help them in discipline, less the watchdogs, after driving away the wolves, should devour the flock instead of being content with their portion of milk. He should live economically, and so escape the necessity of levying oppressive taxes; for avarice is worse in a head of state than in one who has need to ward off poverty from his family.

St. Synesius

(08-23-02)