regard as a really grave danger, lest the state may become possessed of an over large number of slaves, with the result that the works will be overstocked. That again is an apprehension which we may escape if we are careful not to put into the works more hands from year to year than the works themselves demand. Thus (45) I am persuaded that the easiest method of carrying out this scheme, as a whole, is also the best. If, however, you are persuaded that, owing to the extraordinary property taxes (46) to which you have been subjected during the present war, you will not be equal to any further contributions at present, (47) what you should do is this: (48) during the current year resolve to carry on the financial administration of the state within the limits of a sum equivalent to that which your dues (49) realised before the peace. That done, you are at liberty to take any surplus sum, whether directly traceable to the peace itself, or to the more courteous treatment of our resident aliens and traders, or to the growth of the imports and exports, coincident with the collecting together of larger masses of human beings, or to an augmentation of harbour (50) and market dues: this surplus, I say, however derived, you should take and invest (51) so as to bring in the greatest revenue. (52) (40) Or, "sinking fund." (41) {athrooi}--"in a body." It is a military phrase, I think. In close order, as it were, not in detachments. (42) "According to our ability," a favourite Socratic phrase. (43) {authis}. See for this corrupt passage Zurborg, "Comm." p. 31. He would insert, "and a little delay will not be prejudicial to our interests, but rather the contrary," or to that effect, thus: {kai authis an (anutoimen ou gar toiaute te anabole blaben genesthai an) emin oiometha} "vel simile aliquid." (44) Or, "it is we who must bear the whole burthen of the outlay." (45) {outos}, "so far, unless I am mistaken, the easiest method is the best." (46) Or, "heavy contributions, subscriptions incidental to," but the word {eisphoras} is technical. For the exhaustion of the treasury see Dem. "Lept." 464; Grote, "H. G."xi. 326. (47) Or, "you will not be able to subscribe a single penny more." (48) {umeis de}, you are masters of the situation. It lies with you to carry on, etc.; {dioikeite} is of course imperative. (49) Or, "taxes." (50) Reading, after Zurborg, {dia ta ellimenia}. Or, if the vulg. {dia en limeni}, transl. "an augmentation of market dues at Piraeus." (51) I.e. as fixed capital, or, "you should expend on plant." (52) Or, adopting Zurborg's emend, {os an pleista eggignetai}, transl. "for the purposes of the present scheme as far as it may be available."