Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners/Part IV/XI
XI.THE ADVANTAGES OF A REPUBLIC.
169.Athens had long been oppressed by tyrants. When these were at last compelled to go into exile, the wealth of Athens was increased, and the state became most flourishing. Now it appears, not only from this example, but everywhere, how glorious a thing is equality (in the sight) of law. For the Athenians also, as long as they were under tyrants, were superior to none of the neighbouring nations in war; but on being freed from tyrants, they became the first by a long way. And this thing declares that they, as long as they were oppressed by tyrants, managed affairs with little vigour, inasmuch as (it was) for a master and not for themselves ; but when they were restored to liberty, each one used eagerly to do his best (lit. give attention) for himself, to manage affairs well.