Chapter XV.
On cranes, and their vigilance in guarding, as well as the order maintained by them while flying. And on this occasion, about the state of the ancient republic and the causes of human negligence.
Therefore, let us begin with those things that have given themselves to our use. For in them there is a certain order and natural defense, while in us it is forced and servile. How diligently the cranes exercise their watchfulness in the night, without being commanded or compelled! You can see the guards stationed: while the rest of their companions are asleep, they go around and inspect, so that no danger may arise from any direction, and they transfer their constant protection with energetic vigilance. After the time of the vigils has been fulfilled, having completed her duty, she prepares herself for sleep with the sounding of a trumpet; so that she may awaken the one sleeping, to whom she will hand over the duty. But she willingly takes on the role, not unwilling and slower than sleep, but she eagerly rises from her bed, performs her duty, and presents with equal care and diligence the favor she has received. Therefore there is no desertion, because of natural devotion; therefore there is secure protection, because of free will.
They also follow this order while flying, and by means of this arrangement they alleviate all the labor, so that they take turns in performing their duty. For one takes the lead over the others at an appointed time and as if runs ahead of the group: then it turns around and yields to the next in line for leading the flock. What could be more beautiful than this, that both the labor and the honor are shared by all, and that power is not claimed by a few, but is distributed voluntarily among all?
52. This is the ancient duty and a kind of free state. Thus, from the beginning, having received it from nature, men began to exercise the policy of birds as an example; so that there would be common labor, common dignity, individuals would share responsibilities in turn, they would divide obedience and commands, no one would be devoid of honor, no one exempt from work. This was the most beautiful state of affairs, no one became arrogant with perpetual power, no one was broken by long-lasting servitude; because the promotion was bestowed without envy, in accordance with the order of the position and with moderation of time; and what fell to everyone's shared responsibility seemed more tolerable. No one dared to oppress another with slavery, whose mutual aversions would have been burdensome to endure for the sake of future honors; no labor was heavy for anyone, which dignity would relieve. But after the desire for domination began to claim unwarranted powers, and once acquired, they could not be laid aside: after the common right of military service ceased, and servitude began: after it was no longer a matter of assuming power, but of asserting it, even the function of labor itself began to be endured more harshly; and that which is not voluntary quickly yields to neglect. How reluctantly men take on the duties of the watch, how reluctantly each one keeps watch in the camp, having drawn the lot for danger, which is entrusted to him for his own protection by royal order! The punishment for negligence is set forth; and yet negligence often creeps in, the watches are not kept. For necessity, which imposes service unwillingly, often brings with it disdain. For there is nothing so easy that it does not have its difficulties, when done unwillingly. Therefore, constant labor turns away desire, and continuous and long-continued authority begets insolence. Wherever I come among men who willingly lay down their authority and yield the insignia of their leadership, and willingly become the last in rank among the first, I usually argue not only about who is in the first place, but also about who is in the middle, and I claim the first place for myself in the seating at the banquet; and once I have won it, I want it to be perpetual. Therefore, among cranes, there is patience in work, and among the powerful there is humility. They are reminded to perform the duties of their office, but they are not reminded to give up their power; for there, the natural rest of sleep must be interrupted, while here, the favor of voluntary diligence must be extended.