nnon and typography were
invented by the Chinese before we knew of them. There are magistrates
who announce the meaning of the pictures, and boys are accustomed to
learn all the sciences, without toil and as if for pleasure; but in the
way of history only until they are ten years old.

Love is foremost in attending to the charge of the race. He sees that
men and women are so joined together, that they bring forth the best
offspring. Indeed, they laugh at us who exhibit a studious care for our
breed of horses and dogs, but neglect the breeding of human beings. Thus
the education of the children is under his rule. So also is the medicine
that is sold, the sowing and collecting of fruits of the earth and of
trees, agriculture, pasturage, the preparations for the months, the
cooking arrangements, and whatever has any reference to food, clothing,
and the intercourse of the sexes. Love himself is ruler, but there are
many male and female magistrates dedicated to these arts.

Metaphysic, then, with these three rulers, manages all the above-named
matters, and even by himself alone nothing is done; all business is
discharged by the four together, but in whatever Metaphysic inclines to
the rest are sure to agree.

G.M. Tell me, please, of the magistrates, their services and duties, of
the education and mode of living, whether the government is a monarchy,
a republic, or an aristocracy.

Capt. This race of men came there from India, flying from the sword of
the Magi, a race of plunderers and tyrants who laid waste their country,
and they determined to lead a philosophic life in fellowship with one
another. Although the community of wives is not instituted among the
other inhabitants of their province, among them it is in use after this
manner: All things are common with them, and their dispensation is by
the authority of the magistrates. Arts and honors and pleasures are
common, and are held in such a manner that no one can appropriate
anything to himself.

They say that all private property is acquired and improved for the
reason that each one of us by himself has his own home and wife and
children. From this, self-love springs. For when we raise a son to
riches and dignities, and leave an heir to much wealth, we become either
ready to grasp at the property of the State, if in any case fear
should be removed from the power which belongs to riches and rank; or
avaricious, crafty, and hypocritical, if anyone is of slender