Hieron one of the minor works of the Athenian Xenophon (428–c.354 BC), a dialogue between Hieron I, tyrant of Syracuse, and Simonides, in which the lot of the tyrant and that of the private citizen are compared; Hieron points out the disadvantages of the former, while Simonides shows how a tyrant, by ruling well, may make himself popular and so acquire happiness.