Sparta was the constant patron of the aristocratical factious
throughout Greece, and finally ruined it, by a treacherous
league with the Persians, entered into under the pretence
of freeing tributary cities, but with the design of advancing
the interest of aristocratical factions in neighbouring states.
Does this form of government earn the eulogy, of being the
best in Greece, because it produced its ruin, by leaguing
itself with absolute monarchy ?
Lycurgus, by the influence of a bought and lying oracle, placed the government in the hands of a minority, excused this minority from labour and taxes, and bupported it by the labour of the majority. The Helots, who were the slaves of the government but not of individuals, filled the place of every majority, however denominated, subjected to the will of an aristocracy. All the difference is, that the Spartan aristocracy obtained of its Helots, subsistence and leisure for itself, by the goad and the lash; and the aristocracy of paper and patronage, obtains of theirs, wealth and luxury, by war, sinecure and taxation. This emblem of Mr. Adamses system, commenced in fraud; flourished, a tyrant; and died, a traitor; and although Lycurgus divided the Spartan aristocracy into several bodies; distributed it into different chambers ; and placed at its head, dependant chiefs; impartiality will only behold an organization of an aristocratical minority for self security, however an eagerness to establish a system, may transform it into the effigy of an entire nation.
How exactly emblematical this precedent is of the English government! A minority organized, not to preserve, but to suppress, popular influence. Such is the effect of aristocratical orders, according to the examples adduced in their defence.
More intricate sections of an aristocratical interest existed at Venice, than at Sparta or London. Were these also contrived to cheek that interest, for the sake of advancing the democratic interest, or for its own safety ?
It does not appear, whether Lycurgus left the number of
