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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Hiero by Xenophon: to persuade another, that you despots, within the limits of those
things whereby we one and all sustain our bodies, in respect, that is,
of meats and drinks, have not a far wider range of pleasures.
Yes, Simonides (he answered), and what is more, I know the explanation
of the common verdict. The majority have come to the conclusion that
we monarchs eat and drink with greater pleasure than do ordinary
people, because they have got the notion, they themselves would make a
better dinner off the viands served at our tables than their own. And
doubtless some break in the monotony gives a fillip of pleasure. And
that explains why folk in general look forward with pleasure to high
days and holy days--mankind at large, but not the despot; his well-
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