AGIS
AGIS. King Agis said, The Lacedaemonians are not wont
to ask how many, but where the enemy are. At Mantinea
he was advised not to fight the enemy that exceeded him
in number. It is necessary, said he, for him to fight with
many, who would rule over many. The Eleans were commended for managing the Olympic games honorably. What
wonder, said he, do they do, if one day in four years they
do justice? When the same persons enlarged in their
commendation, What wonder is it, said he, if they use
justice honorably, which is an honorable thing? To a
lewd person, that often asked who was the best man among
the Spartans, he answered. He that is most unlike you.
When another asked what was the number of the Lacedaemonians,—Sufficient, said he, to defend themselves from
[p. 219]
wicked men. To another that asked him the same question, If you should see them fight, said he, you would
think them to be many.