speak, another may return.

He knew how to say the same things at length, and to repeat them
briefly, which is called Recapitulation, and is used by orators whenever
it is necessary to recall briefly the numerous things which have been
said. For what Odysseus related in four books in the Phaeacians, these
he goes over again shortly in the passage beginning (O. xxiii. 310):--

He began by setting forth how he overcame the Cicones, etc.

But civil discourse embraces also knowledge of laws. No one can really
say whether the word "law" was used in his time. Some say that he
certainly knew it, for he said (O. xvii. 487):--

To watch the violence and righteousness of men.

Aristachus says the word "righteousness" ([Greek omitted]) comes from
the words "to distribute well." Hence law ([Greek omitted]) seems to be
called, because it distributes ([Greek omitted]) equal parts to all or
to each according to his worth. But that he knew the force of law was
conserved, if not in writing at least in the opinion of men, he shows
in many ways. For he makes Achilles talking about the sceptre say (I. i.
237):--

And now 'tis borne,
Emblem of justice, by the sons of Greece,
Who guard the sacred ministry of law
Before the face of Jove.

For usages and customs, the laws of which Zeus is reported as the
lawgiver, with whom Minos the king of the Cretans had converse men say;
which converse is, as Plato bears witness, the learning of the laws.
Clearly in his poems he reveals that it is necessary to follow the laws
and not to do wrong (O. xviii. 141):--

Wherefore let no man forever be lawless any more, but keep
quietly the gifts of the gods, whatsoever they may give.

Homer first of all divided into different parts civil polity. For in
the shield which was made in imitation of the whole world by Hephaestus
(that is, spiritual power) he imagined two cities to be contained:
one enjoying peace and happiness; the other at war, and exposing the
advantages of each he shows that the one life is civil and the other
military. Neither did he pass over even the agricultural. But he showed
this, too, making it clear and beautiful in his language.

In every city it is sanctioned by the law that there is to be a meeting
of a council to consider before the popular assembly is called together.
This is evident from the words of Homer (I. ii. 53):--

But first of all the Elders