Pagina 350 van 1391

And there is another class in democratic States, of respectable,

thriving individuals, who can be squeezed when the drones have

need of their possessions; there is moreover a third class, who

are the labourers and the artisans, and they make up the mass of

the people. When the people meet, they are omnipotent, but they

cannot be brought together unless they are attracted by a little

honey; and the rich are made to supply the honey, of which the

demagogues keep the greater part themselves, giving a taste only

to the mob. Their victims attempt to resist; they are driven mad

by the stings of the drones, and so become downright oligarchs in

self-defence. Then follow informations and convictions for

treason. The people have some protector whom they nurse into

greatness, and from this root the tree of tyranny springs.