Superiority of the king
1 Then the second young man, who had spoken of the strength of the king, spoke:
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"Gentlemen, aren't people superior who control land and sea and all that's in them?
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But the king is most superior, because he is their ruler and master, and whatever he might say to them they obey as soon as they hear it.
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If he tells them to make war on each other, they do so; and if he sends them out against the enemy, they march and overcome mountain fortresses, walls, and towers.
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They murder and are murdered, but they don't disobey the king's word. If they win a battle, they bring everything to the king—whatever plunder they take and everything else.
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Similarly, for those who don't serve in the army or make war but farm the land, whenever they sow and reap, they bring some to the king. They force each other to pay taxes to the king.
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Yet the king is only one man! If he tells them to kill, they kill. If he tells them to set someone free, they set someone free.
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If he tells them to strike, they strike. If he tells them to destroy or build something, they destroy it or they build it.
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If he tells them to cut down something, they cut it down. If he tells them to plant, they plant.
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All his people and his military powers obey him. Furthermore, he reclines, eats, drinks, and sleeps;
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but they keep watch around him, and no one can go away to take care of his own matters, nor do they disobey him.
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Gentlemen, isn't the king superior, since he is to be completely obeyed in this manner?" Then he stopped speaking.