For penalties are more likely to be exacted when less odium attaches
to the exaction of them; but a double odium is incurred when the
judges who have passed also execute the sentence, and if they are
always the executioners, they will be the enemies of all.
In many places, while one magistracy executes the sentence,
another has the custody of the prisoners, as, for example, 'the
Eleven' at Athens. It is well to separate off the jailorship also, and
try by some device to render the office less unpopular. For it is
quite as necessary as that of the executioners; but good men do all
they can to avoid it, and worthless persons cannot safely be trusted
with it; for they themselves require a guard, and are not fit to guard
others. There ought not therefore to be a single or permanent
officer set apart for this duty; but it should be entrusted to the
young, wherever they are organized into a band or guard, and different
magistrates acting in turn should take charge of it.
These are the indispensable officers, and should be ranked first;
next in order follow others, equally necessary, but of higher rank,
and requiring great experience and fidelity. Such are the officers
to which are committed the guard of the city, and other military
functions. Not only in time of war but of peace their duty will be
to defend the walls and gates, and to muster and marshal the citizens.
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