Hiero

Simonides, the poet, once paid a visit to Hiero, the despot. When both found time to spare, Simonides said: Hiero, will you please explain something to me that you probably know better than I? And pray what is it, said Hiero, that I can know better than one so wise as yourself?

I know you were born a private citizen, he answered, and are now a despot. Therefore, as you have experienced both fortunes, you probably know better than I how the lives of the despot and the citizen differ as regards the joys and sorrows that fall to man’s lot.