From these things, also, it is nearly evident how oligarchies ought to be conducted. For it is necessary to form conclusions from contraries, by comparing each oligarchy with the democracy which is contrary to it. And that oligarchy, indeed, which is mingled in the best manner, and ranks as the first, is nearly allied to what is [properly] called a polity, in which it is necessary to divide the yearly revenues, or census, making some of them to be less, but others more; making those to be less, from which the necessary magistrates are chosen; but those to be greater, from which the more principal magistrates are appointed. Nor should any one be excluded from a share in the administration administration who is within the census; which should be so regulated that the commonality who are included in it, should by means thereof be superior to those who have no share in the government. But those who partake of the administration, ought always to be chosen out of the better sort of the people. In a similar manner, also, by gradually relaxing, the oligarchy which is next in order must be established. But with respect to the oligarchy which is opposite to the last species of a democracy, and approaches the nearest to a dynasty, and is the most tyrannical, as it is of all others the worst, so it requires the greatest care to preserve it. For as bodies that are well-disposed with respect to health, and ships that are well-constructed for sailing, can bear many injuries without being destroyed by them; but diseased bodies, and ships that are not compact, and which are furnished with bad sailors, are unable to bear the least injury; thus, also, the worst of polities require the most abundant care. A multitude of citizens, therefore, is in short the preservation of democracies; for this multitude is opposed to the justice which is according to desert. But with respect to an oligarchy, it is evident that its preservation, on the contrary, ought to be derived from the excellence of its regulations.
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