Plato in Italy

rondas did more, and ordered that all the sons of the citizens should be handed over to a school to be instructed there in letters by teachers paid with a public salary. These orders are common to many other cities of Italy, and show the part that wise men have had in making laws (*). Our cities do not spend a penny for good letters; proof that our ancient legislators did not hold them in very great regard.

Lycurgus sanctioned his laws with the oath that the Spartans gave to observe them until his return. Charondas believed that the oath alone, in a matter of such danger, was not enough; and he added a penalty. Any of the citizens who wishes to propose a change to some law may do so; but he must appear before the assembly of the people with a rope around his neck, and if the proposed change is not accepted, the law condemns him to be hanged.

(*) In Rome there were such public schools of letters since the times of Appius the decemvir. Livy III. 20. And Rome was not the most civilized among the Italian cities.