Page:Xenophon by Alexander Grant.djvu/96

86 and Sparta are perhaps the oldest remaining specimens of the political tract or pamphlet. The 'Hiero' is a disquisition, in the form of dialogue, on the characteristics of despotic government. 'The Banquet' is a description, real or imaginary, of a "fast" supper-party at Athens, and of the conduct and discourse thereat of the wise and moral Socrates. 'The Revenues of Athens' contains some of Xenophon's ideas on finance and political economy. The 'Domestic Economy' treats, in two dialogues, of farm and household management. The 'Hipparchicus,' or 'Cavalry Officer's Manual,' contains suggestions by an experienced tactician for the improvement of the cavalry arm of the Athenian service. The 'Horsemanship' is a treatise on choosing, keeping, and sitting the horse. In the 'Hunting' Xenophon appears somewhat in the character of an Izaak Walton, and describes enthusiastically his favourite sport.