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The state which we have now in hand, when created, will be

nearest to immortality and unity in the next degree; and after

that, by the grace of God, we will complete the third one. And we

will begin by speaking of the nature and origin of the second.'

The comparatively short work called the Statesman or Politicus in

its style and manner is more akin to the Laws, while in its

idealism it rather resembles the Republic. As far as we can judge

by various indications of language and thought, it must be later

than the one and of course earlier than the other. In both the

Republic and Statesman a close connection is maintained between

Politics and Dialectic. In the Statesman, enquiries into the

principles of Method are interspersed with discussions about

Politics. The comparative advantages of the rule of law and of a

person are considered, and the decision given in favour of a

person (Arist. Pol.). But much may be said on the other side, nor

is the opposition necessary; for a person may rule by law, and

law may be so applied as to be the living voice of the

legislator. As in the Republic, there is a myth, describing,

however, not a future, but a former existence of mankind.