To Nicocles

Do not think that while all other people should live with sobriety, kings may live with license; on the contrary, let your own self-control stand as an example to the rest, realizing that the manners of the whole state are copied from its rulers.[*](Cf. Isoc. 3.37; Cicero, Ep. ad Fam. i. 9. 12: “quales in republica principles essent, tales reliquos soler esse cives.”) Let it be a sign to you that you rule wisely if you see all your subjects growing more prosperous and more temperate because of your oversight.

Consider it more important to leave to your children a good name than great riches; for riches endure for a day, a good name for all time; a good name may bring wealth,[*](Cf. Isoc. 3.50.) but wealth cannot buy a good name; wealth comes even to men of no account, but a good name can only be acquired by men of superior merit.[*](It is a commonplace of Greek ethics that “virtue” (wisdom, justice, temperance) and the good name which it ensures are enduring possessions in which the worthy only may share, as distinguished from such transitory goods as wealth, power, beauty, etc., which are shared even by the base. Cf. 30; Isoc. 1.6, 19, 38; Isoc. 2.32; Isoc. 5.135 ff.) Be sumptuous in your dress and personal adornment, but simple and severe, as befits a king, in your other habits, that those who see you may judge from your appearance that you are worthy of your office, and that those who are intimate with you may form the same opinion from your strength of soul.

Keep watch always on your words and actions, that you may fall into as few mistakes as possible. For while it is best to grasp your opportunities at exactly the right moment, yet, since they are difficult to discern, choose to fall short rather than to overreach them;[*](Cf. Artistot. Nic. Eth. 2.5; Cicero, Orat. xxii. : “etsi suus cuique rei modus est, tamen magis offendit nimium quam parum.”) for the happy mean is to be found in defect rather than in excess.

Try to combine courtesy with dignity; for dignity is in keeping with the position of a king and courtesy is becoming in his social intercourse. Yet no admonition is so difficult to carry out as this; for you will find that for the most part those who affect dignity are cold, while those who desire to be courteous appear to lower themselves; yet you should cultivate both these qualities and try to avoid the danger that attaches to each.

Whenever you desire to gain a thorough understanding of such things as it is fitting that kings should know, pursue them by practice as well as by study; for study will show you the way but training yourself in the actual doing of things will give you power to deal with affairs. Reflect on the fortunes and accidents which befall both common men and kings, for if you are mindful of the past you will plan better for the future.

Consider that where there are common men who are ready to lay down their lives[*](Cf. Isoc. 5.135.) that they may be praised after they are dead, it is shameful for kings not to have the courage to pursue a course of conduct from which they will gain renown during their lives. Prefer to leave behind you as a memorial images of your character rather than of your body. Put forth every effort to preserve your own and your state's security, but if you are compelled to risk your life, choose to die with honor rather than to live in shame.[*](Cf. Isoc. 1.43.)