But the Cretan polity nearly, indeed, resembles this. In some particulars, however, it is not worse, but in most respects it is less elegantly framed. For it seems and is allowed that the Cretan polity imitated in most things that of the Lacedæmonians. But most ancient things are less evolved than those that are modern. For they say that Lycurgus, when he ceased to be guardian to king Charilaus, went abroad, and continued for a long time with his relations in Crete; for the Lycians were a colony of the Lacedæmonians. And those who first settled there adopted that arrangement of the laws which they found already established by the inhabitants. Hence, also, those who now live near them use the arrangements of the laws after the same manner as Minos first established it. But, this island seems to be naturally formed, and to be well situated for the purpose of ruling over all Greece. For it borders on the sea every way, nearly all the Greeks dwelling about the sea. And at one part, indeed, it is not far from Peloponnesus, but at another part it is near to Asia about Triopium and Rhodes. Hence, also, Minos obtained the empire of the sea, and the islands; some of which he subdued, and caused others to be inhabited. At last, having attacked Sicily, he ended his life there about Camicus. The Cretic arrangement, however, is analogous to the Lacedæmonian. For the Helots cultivate the land for the Lacedæmonians, but the neighbouring inhabitants for the Cretans. Both polities, also, have their common tables; and the Lacedæmonians called these formerly not phiditia, but andria, in the same manner as the Cretans; by which it is evident that the custom was derived from thence. There is an analogy, also, in the order of the polity. For the Ephori, indeed, have the same power, as those who are called Cosmi in Crete; except that the Ephori are five in number; but the Cosmi ten. The number of the senators, however, whom the Cretans call the council, is the same in both polities. And formerly, indeed, Crete was a kingdom; but afterwards, the Cretans dissolved this form of government, and the Cosmi were the rulers in things pertaining to war. But their public assembly is common to all the citizens. At the same time, however, this assembly has authority in nothing, but in confirming what has been determined by the senators, and the Cosmi. The particulars, therefore, respecting the common tables, are better with the Cretans, than with the Lacedæmonians. For in Lacedæmon every individual is obliged to bring with him his rated share; and if he does not, the law expels him from the polity, as we have before observed. But in Crete the custom is more sociable. For all the corn and cattle, taxes and contributions,—which are furnished by the neighbouring inhabitants, are arranged into parts; one part, indeed, being appointed for the worship of the gods, another for the exigencies of the state, and a third for the common tables; so that all the women, children and men, are supported from a common stock. The legislator also philosophized much about eating sparingly, and about divorces, encouraging the connexion of males with each other, in order that the community might not be too populous; concerning the propriety, or impropriety of which, we shall take another opportunity of considering. It is evident, however, that the particulars respecting the common tables, are better arranged among the Cretans, than among the Lacedæmonians. But those pertaining to the Cosmi are worse than those respecting the Ephori. For the ancient evil of the Ephori, exists also in these, and the Cosmi are composed of any casual persons. But what is advantageous to the polity in the institution of the Ephori, is not to be found in that of the Cosmi. For in the former, as the election is out of all the citizens, the people partake of the greatest authority of the state, and, therefore, they wish the polity to remain. But in the latter, the Cosmi are not chosen out of all the citizens, but out of certain families; and the senators are chosen out of the Cosmi; concerning whom the same observations may be made, as about those in Lacedæmon. For their being under no controul, and their continuing for life, is a greater honour than they deserve. To govern, also, not according to written laws, but according to their own opinion, is dangerous. And with respect to their being no insurrections, though the people have no share in the management of public affairs, this is no indication that the polity is well arranged. For the Cosmi have no opportunity of being bribed like the Ephori, as they live in an island remote from those who would corrupt them. But the remedy which they employ to correct this error is absurd, and is not political but tyrannical. For frequently, either their fellow magistrates, or some private persons conspire together, and expel the Cosmi. The Cosmi, also, are permitted to resign their office, before their time is expired. All these things, therefore, if they were done conformably to law, would be better than when performed according to the will of men; since this is not a safe rule. The worst thing of all, however, is that confusion which is frequently introduced by those who are in power, when they are unwilling to submit themselves to the correction of justice; by which it is evident that this arrangement possesses something of a polity, yet is not a polity, but is rather a dynasty. For it is usual with the principal persons among them, having collected together some of the common people and their friends, to make a monarchy, excite sedition, and fight with each other; though what is the difference, whether a thing of this kind takes place, or the city in the course of time no longer remains as it was, but the political communion is dissolved? But a city thus subsisting is in danger from those who are willing and able to attack it. As we have already mentioned, however, it is preserved by its situation; for this keeps foreigners at a distance from it. Hence, the Cretans are not molested by the neighbouring inhabitants; but the Helots frequently revolt. For the Cretans have no dominion out of their island, which but recently has been attacked by foreign troops; and this made the imbecility of the Cretan laws apparent. Thus much, therefore, may suffice concerning this polity.
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