With respect, however, to placing a city near the sea, some persons have many doubts whether it is beneficial or hurtful to well-regulated cities. For they say that the resort of persons educated under different laws is disadvantageous to equitable legislation, and to the multitude of the inhabitants; since from using the sea, a great number of merchants trafficking backward and forward must be produced, which is adverse to the good government of the city. It is not immanifest, therefore, that if these things do not happen, it is better both for security, and an abundance of things necessary, that the city and country should be near the sea. For it is necessary that those who are to sustain the attack of the enemy should be ready with their assistance both by land and sea, and should oppose any inroad both ways, if possible, but if not, at least in one way, which they may do while they possess both. This situation, also, is useful for the purpose of receiving from others what this maritime country does not produce, and exporting those necessaries of its own growth, of which it has more than it wants. But a city ought to traffic to supply its own wants, and not the wants of others. Those, however, who themselves furnish a market for every one, do it for the sake of gain. But it is not proper that a city should possess such an inordinate desire of gain, or have such an emporium. Since, however, we now also see that many places and cities have docks and harbours very conveniently situated for the city, so that they are neither within the city, nor very remote from it, but are surrounded by walls and other such-like fortifications, it is evident that if any good arises from such an intercourse, the city will receive it; but if anything hurtful, it is easy to guard against it by the laws declaring and determining what persons ought and what ought not to have an intercourse with each other. But with respect to a naval power, it is not immanifest that it should exist only to a certain extent; and this, not only for the sake of the city itself, but also because it is necessary to appear formidable to some of the neighbouring states, and to be able to assist them as by land, so likewise by sea. In order, however, to know how great this power should be, it is requisite to look to the life of the city. For if it leads a life which is of a ruling and political nature, it is necessary that this power should be commensurate to its actions. But with respect to the multitude produced by the nautical rabble, this is not necessary to cities; for it is not proper that it should form a part of the city; since the mariners and infantry, who have the command and the chief authority in the navigation, are freemen. But when there are many surrounding inhabitants and husbandmen, there will necessarily be an abundance of sailors. And we see that this is at present the case in some cities; as in the city Heraclea. For there they have many triremes, though the magnitude of the city is less than that of some others. After this manner, therefore, let it be determined concerning the country, the parts, cities, the sea, and the maritime power. But with respect to the political multitude, [i.e. the number of the citizens], we have before shown what the boundary of it ought to be.
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