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text:agesilaus [2013/08/24 18:54] – created fredmondtext:agesilaus [2014/01/15 11:55] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 The Works of Xenophon by H. G. Dakyns, Macmillan and Co., 1897.  The Works of Xenophon by H. G. Dakyns, Macmillan and Co., 1897. 
  
-====== Agesilaus: Xenophon ======+====== Xenophon: Agesilaus ======
  
  
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  (1) Or, "even to-day, in the proud bead-roll of his ancestry he stands  (1) Or, "even to-day, in the proud bead-roll of his ancestry he stands
-    commemorated, in numerical descent from Heracles."+ commemorated, in numerical descent from Heracles."
  
 And herein it is open to us to praise both his fatherland and his family. It is notable that never throughout these ages has Lacedaemon, out of envy of the privilege accorded to her kings, tried to dissolve their rule; nor ever yet throughout these ages have her kings strained after greater powers than those which limited their heritage of kingship from the first. Wherefore, while all other forms of government, democracies and oligarchies, tyrannies and monarchies, alike have failed to maintain their continuity unbroken, here, as the sole exception, endures indissolubly their kingship. (2) And herein it is open to us to praise both his fatherland and his family. It is notable that never throughout these ages has Lacedaemon, out of envy of the privilege accorded to her kings, tried to dissolve their rule; nor ever yet throughout these ages have her kings strained after greater powers than those which limited their heritage of kingship from the first. Wherefore, while all other forms of government, democracies and oligarchies, tyrannies and monarchies, alike have failed to maintain their continuity unbroken, here, as the sole exception, endures indissolubly their kingship. (2)
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  (3) For this matter see "Hell." III. iii. 1-6; V. iv. 13; Plut.  (3) For this matter see "Hell." III. iii. 1-6; V. iv. 13; Plut.
-    "Ages." iii. 3  (Cloigh, iv. 3 foll.); Paus. iii. 3.+ "Ages." iii. 3  (Cloigh, iv. 3 foll.); Paus. iii. 3.
  
  (4) See Aristides  ("Rhet." 776), who quotes the passage for its  (4) See Aristides  ("Rhet." 776), who quotes the passage for its
-    measured cadence.+ measured cadence.
  
 And so I pass on at once to narrate the chief achievements of his reign, since by the light of deeds the character of him who wrought them will, if I mistake not, best shine forth. And so I pass on at once to narrate the chief achievements of his reign, since by the light of deeds the character of him who wrought them will, if I mistake not, best shine forth.
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  (5) B.C. 399; according to Plut.  ("Ages." ad fin.) he was forty-three,  (5) B.C. 399; according to Plut.  ("Ages." ad fin.) he was forty-three,
-    and therefore still "not old." See "Hell." III. iv. 1 for the + and therefore still "not old." See "Hell." III. iv. 1 for the 
-    startling news, B.C. 396.+ startling news, B.C. 396.
  
  (6) For the class of Neodamodes, see Arnold's note to Thuc. v. 34  (6) For the class of Neodamodes, see Arnold's note to Thuc. v. 34
-     (Jowett, "Thuc." ii. 307); also Thuc. vii. 58; "Hell." I. iii. 15.+ (Jowett, "Thuc." ii. 307); also Thuc. vii. 58; "Hell." I. iii. 15.
  
 The proposal was welcomed with enthusiasm on the part of many. They could not but admire the eagerness of their king to retaliate upon the Persian for his former invasions of Hellas by counter-invasion on his own soil. They liked the preference also which he showed for attacking rather than awaiting his enemy's attack, and his intention to carry on the war at the expense of Persia rather than that of Hellas; but it was the perfection of policy, they felt, so to change the arena of battle, with Asia as the prize of victory instead of Hellas. If we pass on to the moment when he had received his army and set sail, I can conceive no clearer exposition of his generalship than the bare narration of his exploits. The proposal was welcomed with enthusiasm on the part of many. They could not but admire the eagerness of their king to retaliate upon the Persian for his former invasions of Hellas by counter-invasion on his own soil. They liked the preference also which he showed for attacking rather than awaiting his enemy's attack, and his intention to carry on the war at the expense of Persia rather than that of Hellas; but it was the perfection of policy, they felt, so to change the arena of battle, with Asia as the prize of victory instead of Hellas. If we pass on to the moment when he had received his army and set sail, I can conceive no clearer exposition of his generalship than the bare narration of his exploits.
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  (8) Lit. "When Tissaphernes, priding himself... bade Agesilaus be  (8) Lit. "When Tissaphernes, priding himself... bade Agesilaus be
-    gone... deep was the annoyance felt."+ gone... deep was the annoyance felt."
  
 Tissaphernes meanwhile was influenced by the fact that Agesilaus had no cavalry, and that Caria was a hilly district unsuited for that arm. Moreover, as he further bethought him, Agesilaus must needs be wroth with him for his deceit. What could be clearer, therefore, than that he was about to make a dash at the satrap's home in Caria? Accordingly he transported the whole of his infantry into Caria and marched his cavalry round the while into the plain of the Maeander, persuaded that he would trample the Hellenes under the hoofs of his horses long before they reached the district where no cavalry could operate. Tissaphernes meanwhile was influenced by the fact that Agesilaus had no cavalry, and that Caria was a hilly district unsuited for that arm. Moreover, as he further bethought him, Agesilaus must needs be wroth with him for his deceit. What could be clearer, therefore, than that he was about to make a dash at the satrap's home in Caria? Accordingly he transported the whole of his infantry into Caria and marched his cavalry round the while into the plain of the Maeander, persuaded that he would trample the Hellenes under the hoofs of his horses long before they reached the district where no cavalry could operate.
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  (9) See below, xi. 4; "Mem." III. i. 6; IV. ii. 15; "Cyrop." I. vi.  (9) See below, xi. 4; "Mem." III. i. 6; IV. ii. 15; "Cyrop." I. vi.
-    31; Plut. "Ages." xi.  (Clough, iv. 10).+ 31; Plut. "Ages." xi.  (Clough, iv. 10).
  
 But a country pillaged and denuded of inhabitants would not long support an army. That he felt. A more perennial source of supply was surely to be found in waving cornfields and thickly clustering homesteads. So with infinite pains he set himself not merely to crush his foes by force, but also to win them to his side by gentleness. In this spirit he often enjoined upon his soldiers to guard their captives as fellow-men rather than take vengeance upon them as evildoers; (10) or, on a change of quarters, if aware of little children left behind by the dealers (since the men often sold them in the belief that it would be impossible to carry them away and rear them), he would show concern in behalf of these poor waifs and have them conveyed to some place of safety; or he would entrust them to the care of fellow-prisoners also left behind on account of old age; in no case must they be left to ravening dogs and wolves. In this way he won the goodwill not only of those who heard tell of these doings but of the prisoners themselves. And whenever he brought over a city to his side, he set the citizens free from the harsher service of a bondsman to his lord, imposing the gentler obedience of a freeman to his ruler. Indeed, there were fortresses impregnable to assault which he brought under his power by the subtler force of human kindness. But a country pillaged and denuded of inhabitants would not long support an army. That he felt. A more perennial source of supply was surely to be found in waving cornfields and thickly clustering homesteads. So with infinite pains he set himself not merely to crush his foes by force, but also to win them to his side by gentleness. In this spirit he often enjoined upon his soldiers to guard their captives as fellow-men rather than take vengeance upon them as evildoers; (10) or, on a change of quarters, if aware of little children left behind by the dealers (since the men often sold them in the belief that it would be impossible to carry them away and rear them), he would show concern in behalf of these poor waifs and have them conveyed to some place of safety; or he would entrust them to the care of fellow-prisoners also left behind on account of old age; in no case must they be left to ravening dogs and wolves. In this way he won the goodwill not only of those who heard tell of these doings but of the prisoners themselves. And whenever he brought over a city to his side, he set the citizens free from the harsher service of a bondsman to his lord, imposing the gentler obedience of a freeman to his ruler. Indeed, there were fortresses impregnable to assault which he brought under his power by the subtler force of human kindness.
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  (11) Instead of the plain {zetoie} of the parallel passage  ("Hell."  (11) Instead of the plain {zetoie} of the parallel passage  ("Hell."
-    III. iv. 15) the encomiast prefers the poetical {masteuoi}.+ III. iv. 15) the encomiast prefers the poetical {masteuoi}.
  
 On the approach of early spring (12) he collected his whole armament at Ephesus, and set himself to the work of training it. With that object he proposed a series of prizes: one set for the cavalry squadron which rode best, another for the heavy infantry divisions which presented the best physique, another again for various light troops, peltasts, and bowmen, which showed themselves most efficient in their respective duties. On the approach of early spring (12) he collected his whole armament at Ephesus, and set himself to the work of training it. With that object he proposed a series of prizes: one set for the cavalry squadron which rode best, another for the heavy infantry divisions which presented the best physique, another again for various light troops, peltasts, and bowmen, which showed themselves most efficient in their respective duties.
  
  (12) B.C. 395; see "Hell." III. iv. 16; Plut. "Marcel."  (Clough, ii.  (12) B.C. 395; see "Hell." III. iv. 16; Plut. "Marcel."  (Clough, ii.
-    262); Polyb. xii. 20, 7.+ 262); Polyb. xii. 20, 7.
  
 Thereupon it was a sight to see the gymnasiums thronged with warriors going through their exercises, the racecourses crowded with troopers on prancing steeds, the archers and the javelin men shooting at the butts. Nay, the whole city in which he lay was transformed into a spectacle itself, so filled to overflowing was the market-place with arms and armour of every sort, and horses, all for sale. Here were coppersmiths and carpenters, ironfounders and cobblers, painters and decorators—one and all busily engaged in fabricating the implements of war; so that an onlooker might have thought the city of Ephesus itself a gigantic arsenal. It would have kindled courage in the breast of a coward to see the long lines of soldiers, with Agesilaus at their head, all garlanded as they marched in proud procession from the gymnasiums and dedicated their wreaths to our Lady Artemis. Since, where these three elements exist—reverence towards heaven, practice in military affairs, and obedience to command—all else must needs be full of happy promise. Thereupon it was a sight to see the gymnasiums thronged with warriors going through their exercises, the racecourses crowded with troopers on prancing steeds, the archers and the javelin men shooting at the butts. Nay, the whole city in which he lay was transformed into a spectacle itself, so filled to overflowing was the market-place with arms and armour of every sort, and horses, all for sale. Here were coppersmiths and carpenters, ironfounders and cobblers, painters and decorators—one and all busily engaged in fabricating the implements of war; so that an onlooker might have thought the city of Ephesus itself a gigantic arsenal. It would have kindled courage in the breast of a coward to see the long lines of soldiers, with Agesilaus at their head, all garlanded as they marched in proud procession from the gymnasiums and dedicated their wreaths to our Lady Artemis. Since, where these three elements exist—reverence towards heaven, practice in military affairs, and obedience to command—all else must needs be full of happy promise.
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  (13) Or, "the richest parts of the country," viz. Lydia; Plut. "Ages."  (13) Or, "the richest parts of the country," viz. Lydia; Plut. "Ages."
-    x.+ x.
  
 But Tissaphernes was persuaded that this was all talk on his part for the purpose of outwitting him a second time: now certainly Agesilaus would make an incursion into Caria. So once again the satrap transported his infantry over into that country just has he had done before, and as before he posted his cavalry in the plain of the Maeander. But Tissaphernes was persuaded that this was all talk on his part for the purpose of outwitting him a second time: now certainly Agesilaus would make an incursion into Caria. So once again the satrap transported his infantry over into that country just has he had done before, and as before he posted his cavalry in the plain of the Maeander.
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  (9) Or, "as the rage and fury of battle may give vent to." See  (9) Or, "as the rage and fury of battle may give vent to." See
-    "Cyrop." VII. i. 38-40. A graphic touch omitted in "Hell." IV. + "Cyrop." VII. i. 38-40. A graphic touch omitted in "Hell." IV. 
-    iii. 19.+ iii. 19.
  
 Victory remained with Agesilaus. Wounded himself, they bore him back to his own lines, when some of his troopers came galloping up to tell him that eighty of the enemy had taken refuge with their arms (10) under cover of the Temple, (11) and they asked what they ought to do. He, albeit he had received wounds all over him, having been the mark of divers weapons, did not even so forget his duty to God, and gave orders to let them go whithersoever they chose, nor suffered them to be ill-treated, but ordered his bodyguard of cavalry to escort them out of reach of danger. Victory remained with Agesilaus. Wounded himself, they bore him back to his own lines, when some of his troopers came galloping up to tell him that eighty of the enemy had taken refuge with their arms (10) under cover of the Temple, (11) and they asked what they ought to do. He, albeit he had received wounds all over him, having been the mark of divers weapons, did not even so forget his duty to God, and gave orders to let them go whithersoever they chose, nor suffered them to be ill-treated, but ordered his bodyguard of cavalry to escort them out of reach of danger.
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  (14) {kata ta stena}. See "Hell." IV. iv. 19. {kata Tenean}, according  (14) {kata ta stena}. See "Hell." IV. iv. 19. {kata Tenean}, according
-    to Koppen's emendation.+ to Koppen's emendation.
  
  (15) See Grote, "H. G." v. 208; Herod. ix. 7; "Hell." IV. v. 10.  (15) See Grote, "H. G." v. 208; Herod. ix. 7; "Hell." IV. v. 10.
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  (17) See "Hell." IV. vi. 9-11, where it is expressly stated that the  (17) See "Hell." IV. vi. 9-11, where it is expressly stated that the
-    action was won by the Spartan hoplites. See Hartman, "An. Xen." + action was won by the Spartan hoplites. See Hartman, "An. Xen." 
-     (cap. xi. "De Agesilao libello"), p. 263, for other discrepancies + (cap. xi. "De Agesilao libello"), p. 263, for other discrepancies 
-    between the historian and the encomiast.+ between the historian and the encomiast.
  
  (18) See perhaps "Hell." IV. iv. 19; vii. 2 foll.  (18) See perhaps "Hell." IV. iv. 19; vii. 2 foll.
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  (19) I.e. "of Antalcidas, B.C. 387." See "Hell." V. i. 36; Grote, "H.  (19) I.e. "of Antalcidas, B.C. 387." See "Hell." V. i. 36; Grote, "H.
-    G." ix. 537 note.+ G." ix. 537 note.
  
 And still later, (20) again, he restored the exiles of the Phliasians, who had suffered in the same cause, and with that object marched in person against Phlius, a proceeding which, however liable to censure on other grounds, showed unmistakable attachment to his party. (21) And still later, (20) again, he restored the exiles of the Phliasians, who had suffered in the same cause, and with that object marched in person against Phlius, a proceeding which, however liable to censure on other grounds, showed unmistakable attachment to his party. (21)
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  (23) See "Hell." V. iv. 34 foll.; for the site see Breitenbach, ad  (23) See "Hell." V. iv. 34 foll.; for the site see Breitenbach, ad
-    loc.+ loc.
  
  (24) B.C. 377.  (24) B.C. 377.
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  (28) Lit. "perioecid"; see Plut. "Ages." xxxii.  (Clough, iv. 39);  (28) Lit. "perioecid"; see Plut. "Ages." xxxii.  (Clough, iv. 39);
-    "Hell." VI. v. 32.+ "Hell." VI. v. 32.
  
  (29) Is this parallel to "Hell." VII. v. 10, or "Hell." VI. v. 28?  (29) Is this parallel to "Hell." VII. v. 10, or "Hell." VI. v. 28?
-    According to the historian, Agesilaus adopted similar tactics on + According to the historian, Agesilaus adopted similar tactics on 
-    both occasions  (in B.C. 369 and B.C. 362 alike). The encomiast + both occasions  (in B.C. 369 and B.C. 362 alike). The encomiast 
-    after his manner appears to treat them as one. Once and again his + after his manner appears to treat them as one. Once and again his 
-    hero "cunctando restituit rem," but it was by the same strategy.+ hero "cunctando restituit rem," but it was by the same strategy.
  
 After the invading army had retired, no one will gainsay the sound sense of his behaviour. Old age debarred him from active service on foot or horse, and what the city chiefly needed now, he saw, was money, if she looked to gain allies. To the task therefore of providing that he set himself. Everything that could be done by stopping at home he deftly turned his hand to; or when the call arose and he could better help his country by departure he had no false pride; he set off on foreign service, not as general, but as ambassador. Yet on such embassy he achieved acts worthy of the greatest general. Autophradates (30) was besieging Ariobarzanes, (31) who was an ally of Sparta, in Assos; but before the face of Agesilaus he fled in terror and was gone. Cotys, (32) besieging Sestos, which still adhered to Ariobarzanes, broke up the siege and departed crestfallen. Well might the ambassador have set up a trophy in commemoration of the two bloodless victories. Once more, Mausolus (33) was besieging both the above-named places with a squadron of one hundred sail. He too, like, and yet unlike, the former two, yielded not to terror but to persuasion, and withdrew his fleet. These, then, were surely admirable achievements, since those who looked upon him as a benefactor and those who fled from before him both alike made him the richer by their gifts. After the invading army had retired, no one will gainsay the sound sense of his behaviour. Old age debarred him from active service on foot or horse, and what the city chiefly needed now, he saw, was money, if she looked to gain allies. To the task therefore of providing that he set himself. Everything that could be done by stopping at home he deftly turned his hand to; or when the call arose and he could better help his country by departure he had no false pride; he set off on foreign service, not as general, but as ambassador. Yet on such embassy he achieved acts worthy of the greatest general. Autophradates (30) was besieging Ariobarzanes, (31) who was an ally of Sparta, in Assos; but before the face of Agesilaus he fled in terror and was gone. Cotys, (32) besieging Sestos, which still adhered to Ariobarzanes, broke up the siege and departed crestfallen. Well might the ambassador have set up a trophy in commemoration of the two bloodless victories. Once more, Mausolus (33) was besieging both the above-named places with a squadron of one hundred sail. He too, like, and yet unlike, the former two, yielded not to terror but to persuasion, and withdrew his fleet. These, then, were surely admirable achievements, since those who looked upon him as a benefactor and those who fled from before him both alike made him the richer by their gifts.
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  (32) Satrap of Paphlagonia, king of Thrace. Iphicrates married his  (32) Satrap of Paphlagonia, king of Thrace. Iphicrates married his
-    daughter. See Grote, "H. G." x. 410.+ daughter. See Grote, "H. G." x. 410.
  
  (33) Satrap of Caria.  (33) Satrap of Caria.
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  (35) Or, "But to pass on, he was already, may be, eighty years of age,  (35) Or, "But to pass on, he was already, may be, eighty years of age,
-    when it came under his observation...."+ when it came under his observation...."
  
  (36) This same Tachos.  (36) This same Tachos.
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  (38) I.e. "the army under Nectanebos." See Diod. xv. 92; Plut. "Ages."  (38) I.e. "the army under Nectanebos." See Diod. xv. 92; Plut. "Ages."
-    xxxvii.  (Clough, iv. 44 foll.)+ xxxvii.  (Clough, iv. 44 foll.)
  
  (39) I.e. "Nectanebos and a certain Mendesian."  (39) I.e. "Nectanebos and a certain Mendesian."
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  (2) Or, "a state of indebtedness beyond the reach of a tribunal." See  (2) Or, "a state of indebtedness beyond the reach of a tribunal." See
-    "Cyrop." I. ii. 7.+ "Cyrop." I. ii. 7.
  
 The charge of embezzlement, could it be alleged, would no less outrage all reason in the case of one who made over to his country the benefit in full of grateful offerings owed solely to himself. Indeed the very fact that, when he wished to help the city or his friends with money, he might have done so by the aid of others, goes a long way to prove his indifference to the lure of riches; since, had he been in the habit of selling his favour, or of playing the part of benefactor for pay, there had been no room for a sense of indebtedness. (3) It is only the recipient of gratuitous kindness who is ever ready to minister to his benefactor, both in return for the kindness itself and for the confidence implied in his selection as the fitting guardian of a good deed on deposit. (4) The charge of embezzlement, could it be alleged, would no less outrage all reason in the case of one who made over to his country the benefit in full of grateful offerings owed solely to himself. Indeed the very fact that, when he wished to help the city or his friends with money, he might have done so by the aid of others, goes a long way to prove his indifference to the lure of riches; since, had he been in the habit of selling his favour, or of playing the part of benefactor for pay, there had been no room for a sense of indebtedness. (3) It is only the recipient of gratuitous kindness who is ever ready to minister to his benefactor, both in return for the kindness itself and for the confidence implied in his selection as the fitting guardian of a good deed on deposit. (4)
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  (5) Or, "base covetousness."  (5) Or, "base covetousness."
  
- (6) Or reading, {sun auto to gennaio}  (with Breitenbach), "in + (6) Or reading, {sun auto to gennaio}  (with Breitenbach), "in obedience to pure generosity." See "Cyrop." VIII. iii. 38.
-    obedience to pure generosity." See "Cyrop." VIII. iii. 38.+
  
  (7) I.e. Agis. See Plut. "Ages." iv.  (7) I.e. Agis. See Plut. "Ages." iv.
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  (2) See Hom. "Il." ii. 24, {ou khro pannukhion eudein boulephoron  (2) See Hom. "Il." ii. 24, {ou khro pannukhion eudein boulephoron
-    andra}, "to sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a + andra}, "to sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a 
-    counsellor."—W. Leaf.+ counsellor."—W. Leaf.
  
 And, as touching the things of Aphrodite, if for nothing else, at any rate for the marvel of it, the self-restraint of the man deserves to be put on record. It is easy to say that to abstain from that which excites no desire is but human; yet in the case of Megabates, the son of Spithridates, he was moved by as genuine a love as any passionate soul may feel for what is lovely. Now, it being a national custom among the Persians to salute those whom they honour with a kiss, Megabates endeavoured so to salute Agesilaus, but the latter with much show of battle, resisted—"No kiss might he accept." (3) I ask whether such an incident does not reveal on the face of it the self-respect of the man, and that of no vulgar order. (4) Megabates, who looked upon himself as in some sense dishonoured, for the future endeavoured not to offend in like sort again. (5) Whereupon Agesilaus appealed to one who was his comrade to persuade Megabates again to honour him with his regard; and the comrade, so appealed to, demanding, "If I persuade him, will you bestow on him a kiss?" Agesilaus fell into a silence, but presently exclaimed: "No, by the Twins, not if I might this very instant become the swiftest-footed, strongest, and handsomest of men. (6) And as to that battle I swear by all the gods I would far rather fight it over again than that everything on which I set my eyes might turn to gold." (7) And, as touching the things of Aphrodite, if for nothing else, at any rate for the marvel of it, the self-restraint of the man deserves to be put on record. It is easy to say that to abstain from that which excites no desire is but human; yet in the case of Megabates, the son of Spithridates, he was moved by as genuine a love as any passionate soul may feel for what is lovely. Now, it being a national custom among the Persians to salute those whom they honour with a kiss, Megabates endeavoured so to salute Agesilaus, but the latter with much show of battle, resisted—"No kiss might he accept." (3) I ask whether such an incident does not reveal on the face of it the self-respect of the man, and that of no vulgar order. (4) Megabates, who looked upon himself as in some sense dishonoured, for the future endeavoured not to offend in like sort again. (5) Whereupon Agesilaus appealed to one who was his comrade to persuade Megabates again to honour him with his regard; and the comrade, so appealed to, demanding, "If I persuade him, will you bestow on him a kiss?" Agesilaus fell into a silence, but presently exclaimed: "No, by the Twins, not if I might this very instant become the swiftest-footed, strongest, and handsomest of men. (6) And as to that battle I swear by all the gods I would far rather fight it over again than that everything on which I set my eyes might turn to gold." (7)
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  (4) Reading, {kai lian gennikon}; or, "a refinement of self-respect,"  (4) Reading, {kai lian gennikon}; or, "a refinement of self-respect,"
-    "a self-respect perhaps even over-sensitive."+ "a self-respect perhaps even over-sensitive."
  
  (5) Lit. "made no further attempt to offer kisses."  (5) Lit. "made no further attempt to offer kisses."
  
  (6) See Plut. "Ages." ii.  (Clough, iv. p. 2): "He is said to have been  (6) See Plut. "Ages." ii.  (Clough, iv. p. 2): "He is said to have been
-    a little man of a contemptible presence."+ a little man of a contemptible presence."
  
  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xi.  (Clough, iv. p. 14); "Parall. Min." v; Ovid.  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xi.  (Clough, iv. p. 14); "Parall. Min." v; Ovid.
-    "Met." xi. 102 foll.+ "Met." xi. 102 foll.
  
 What construction some will put upon the story I am well aware, but for myself I am persuaded that many more people can master their enemeis than the foes we speak of. (8) Doubtless such incidents when known to but few may well be discredited by many, but here we are in the region of establishing facts, seeing that the more illustrious a man is the less can his every act escape notice. As to Agesilaus no eye-witness has ever reported any unworthy behaviour, nor, had he invented it, would his tale have found credence, since it was not the habit of the king, when abroad, to lodge apart in private houses. He always lay up in some sacred place, where behaviour of the sort was out of the question, or else in public, with the eyes of all men liable to be called as witnesses to his sobriety. For myself, if I make these statements falsely against the knowledge of Hellas, this were not in any sense to praise my hero, but to dispraise myself. What construction some will put upon the story I am well aware, but for myself I am persuaded that many more people can master their enemeis than the foes we speak of. (8) Doubtless such incidents when known to but few may well be discredited by many, but here we are in the region of establishing facts, seeing that the more illustrious a man is the less can his every act escape notice. As to Agesilaus no eye-witness has ever reported any unworthy behaviour, nor, had he invented it, would his tale have found credence, since it was not the habit of the king, when abroad, to lodge apart in private houses. He always lay up in some sacred place, where behaviour of the sort was out of the question, or else in public, with the eyes of all men liable to be called as witnesses to his sobriety. For myself, if I make these statements falsely against the knowledge of Hellas, this were not in any sense to praise my hero, but to dispraise myself.
Line 335: Line 334:
  
  (2) Or, "without striking a blow." Lit. "without the dust of the  (2) Or, "without striking a blow." Lit. "without the dust of the
-    arena, 'sine pulvere.'" See Thuc. iv. 73, {akoniti}.+ arena, 'sine pulvere.'" See Thuc. iv. 73, {akoniti}.
  
 And to speak next of his wisdom, (3) I suppose there is not one of all his doings but must illustrate it;—this man whose bearing towards his fatherland was such that by dint of implicit obedience (he grew to so greate a height of power), (4) whose zeal in the service of his comrades won for him the unhesitating attachment of his friends, who infused into the hearts of his soldiers a spirit, not of discipline only, but of self-devotion to their chief. And yet surely that is the strongest of all battle-lines (5) in which obedience creates tactical efficiency, and alacrity in the field springs out of loyal affection for the general. And to speak next of his wisdom, (3) I suppose there is not one of all his doings but must illustrate it;—this man whose bearing towards his fatherland was such that by dint of implicit obedience (he grew to so greate a height of power), (4) whose zeal in the service of his comrades won for him the unhesitating attachment of his friends, who infused into the hearts of his soldiers a spirit, not of discipline only, but of self-devotion to their chief. And yet surely that is the strongest of all battle-lines (5) in which obedience creates tactical efficiency, and alacrity in the field springs out of loyal affection for the general.
Line 342: Line 341:
  
  (4) The words {pleiston iskhue} are supplied from Plutarch  ("Ages."  (4) The words {pleiston iskhue} are supplied from Plutarch  ("Ages."
-    iv.), who quotes the passage, "What Xenophon tells us of him, that + iv.), who quotes the passage, "What Xenophon tells us of him, that 
-    by complying with, and, as it were, ruled by his country, he grew + by complying with, and, as it were, ruled by his country, he grew 
-    into such great power with them, that he could do what he pleased, + into such great power with them, that he could do what he pleased, 
-    is meant," etc.  (Clough, iv. p. 4). The lacuna in the MS. was + is meant," etc.  (Clough, iv. p. 4). The lacuna in the MS. was 
-    first noted, I believe, by Weiske. See Breitenbach's note ad loc.+ first noted, I believe, by Weiske. See Breitenbach's note ad loc.
  
  (5) See "Cyrop." VII. i. 30; "Econ." xxi. 7.  (5) See "Cyrop." VII. i. 30; "Econ." xxi. 7.
Line 355: Line 354:
  
  (7) Or, "the strongholds of the enemy might to all intents and  (7) Or, "the strongholds of the enemy might to all intents and
-    purposes have been open places."+ purposes have been open places."
  
 When he was on the march, and was well aware that an enemy might, if he chose, deliver battle, his habit was to lead his troops in compact battle order ready to confront emergencies, with soft, slow step, advancing, as it were, with maidenly demureness, (8) for in such procedure, as he believed, lay the secret of true calm, engendering a dauntless self-assurance, imperturbable, unerring, impervious to treacherous assault. Therefore by such behaviour he was a terror to the enemy, whilst he infused courage and strength in the hearts of his friends, so that throughout his life he continued to be a man whom his foes dared not despise, whom his fellow-citizens cared not to arraign, within the circle of his friends held blameless, the idol and admiration of the outer world. (9) When he was on the march, and was well aware that an enemy might, if he chose, deliver battle, his habit was to lead his troops in compact battle order ready to confront emergencies, with soft, slow step, advancing, as it were, with maidenly demureness, (8) for in such procedure, as he believed, lay the secret of true calm, engendering a dauntless self-assurance, imperturbable, unerring, impervious to treacherous assault. Therefore by such behaviour he was a terror to the enemy, whilst he infused courage and strength in the hearts of his friends, so that throughout his life he continued to be a man whom his foes dared not despise, whom his fellow-citizens cared not to arraign, within the circle of his friends held blameless, the idol and admiration of the outer world. (9)
Line 375: Line 374:
  
  (2) Or, "regarded it as the cardinal virtue of a real prince." See  (2) Or, "regarded it as the cardinal virtue of a real prince." See
-    "Mem." III. ii. 3.+ "Mem." III. ii. 3.
  
 And for my part I hold it as chief among the magnificent benefits so conferred by him upon his country that, being the most powerful member of the state, he made no secret of his absolute submission to the laws, (3) since what lesser man, seeing the king's obedience, would take (4) on himself to disobey? Who, in discontentment at his own poor lot, would venture on revolution, knowing that the king himself could condescend to constitutional control? And that, too, a king who bore himself towards political opponents with a paternal mildness. (5) If he rebuked them sharply for their misdemeanours, he none the less honoured their high endeavours, and proved himself a present help to them in time of trouble. (6) No citizen could be his personal foe; of that he was assured. His desire was to commend them one and all alike, counting the common salvation of all a gain, and reckoning it as a loss if even a mean man perished. For thus he reasoned, nor made a secret of the conclusion he had come to: so long as her citizens continued tranquilly adherent to the laws the happiness of Sparta was secure. (7) And for the rest Sparta would once again be strong on that day when the states of Hellas should learn wisdom. And for my part I hold it as chief among the magnificent benefits so conferred by him upon his country that, being the most powerful member of the state, he made no secret of his absolute submission to the laws, (3) since what lesser man, seeing the king's obedience, would take (4) on himself to disobey? Who, in discontentment at his own poor lot, would venture on revolution, knowing that the king himself could condescend to constitutional control? And that, too, a king who bore himself towards political opponents with a paternal mildness. (5) If he rebuked them sharply for their misdemeanours, he none the less honoured their high endeavours, and proved himself a present help to them in time of trouble. (6) No citizen could be his personal foe; of that he was assured. His desire was to commend them one and all alike, counting the common salvation of all a gain, and reckoning it as a loss if even a mean man perished. For thus he reasoned, nor made a secret of the conclusion he had come to: so long as her citizens continued tranquilly adherent to the laws the happiness of Sparta was secure. (7) And for the rest Sparta would once again be strong on that day when the states of Hellas should learn wisdom.
  
  (3) Or, "he was at the same time the most obvious in his allegiance to  (3) Or, "he was at the same time the most obvious in his allegiance to
-    the laws."+ the laws."
  
  (4) Lit. "would have taken on himself... would have ventured on  (4) Lit. "would have taken on himself... would have ventured on
-    revolution."+ revolution."
  
  (5) Lit. "as a father to his children."  (5) Lit. "as a father to his children."
Line 390: Line 389:
  
  (7) Or, "For this was the clear tenor of his thought, that by tranquil  (7) Or, "For this was the clear tenor of his thought, that by tranquil
-    continuance within the laws the citizens of Sparta might secure + continuance within the laws the citizens of Sparta might secure 
-    her happiness. And as to power, Sparta, etc." See "Mem." II. vi. + her happiness. And as to power, Sparta, etc." See "Mem." II. vi. 
-    27.+ 27.
  
 And if, by admission, it is noble for every Hellene to be a lover of his fellow-Hellenes, yet we must fare far afield to find another instance of a general who, expecting to sack some city, would have refused to seize the prize; or who regarded victory in a war waged against fellow-Hellenes as a species of calamity. Yet this man when a message was brought him concerning the battle at Corinth, (8) in which but eight Lacedaemonians had fallen, but of their opponents ten thousand nearly, showed no sign of exultation, but sighed, saying, "Alas for Hellas! since those who now lie in their graves, were able, had they lived, to conquer the hosts of Asia." (9) Again, when some Corinthian exiles informed him that their city was ripe for surrender, and showed him the engines by which they were confident they would take the walls, he refused to make the assault, saying that Hellene cities ought not to be reduced to slavery, but brought back to a better mind, (10) and added, "For if we lop off our offending members, haply we may deprive ourselves of the means to master the barbarians." And if, by admission, it is noble for every Hellene to be a lover of his fellow-Hellenes, yet we must fare far afield to find another instance of a general who, expecting to sack some city, would have refused to seize the prize; or who regarded victory in a war waged against fellow-Hellenes as a species of calamity. Yet this man when a message was brought him concerning the battle at Corinth, (8) in which but eight Lacedaemonians had fallen, but of their opponents ten thousand nearly, showed no sign of exultation, but sighed, saying, "Alas for Hellas! since those who now lie in their graves, were able, had they lived, to conquer the hosts of Asia." (9) Again, when some Corinthian exiles informed him that their city was ripe for surrender, and showed him the engines by which they were confident they would take the walls, he refused to make the assault, saying that Hellene cities ought not to be reduced to slavery, but brought back to a better mind, (10) and added, "For if we lop off our offending members, haply we may deprive ourselves of the means to master the barbarians."
  
  (8) B.C. 394. See "Hell." IV. ii. 9-23; Diod. xiv. 83; Grote, "H. G."  (8) B.C. 394. See "Hell." IV. ii. 9-23; Diod. xiv. 83; Grote, "H. G."
-    ix. 429.+ ix. 429.
  
  (9) Lit. "all the barbarians."  (9) Lit. "all the barbarians."
Line 419: Line 418:
  
  (1) See "Hell." V. iii. 20; "Cyrop." I. iv. 27; "Econ." ii. 7; Plut.  (1) See "Hell." V. iii. 20; "Cyrop." I. iv. 27; "Econ." ii. 7; Plut.
-    "Ages." ii.; xx.; Lyc. xx.+ "Ages." ii.; xx.; Lyc. xx.
  
  (2) Or, "he would discuss graver matters, according to the humour of  (2) Or, "he would discuss graver matters, according to the humour of
-    his friends."+ his friends."
  
  (3) Or, "of courageous conduct," "noble manhood."  (3) Or, "of courageous conduct," "noble manhood."
Line 429: Line 428:
  
  (4) See "Hell." IV. i. 15; Plut. "Apophth. Lac." p. 777; Grote, "H.  (4) See "Hell." IV. i. 15; Plut. "Apophth. Lac." p. 777; Grote, "H.
-    G." x. 402.+ G." x. 402.
  
 And this, in proof of mental forecast, I must needs praise in him. Holding to the belief that the more satraps there were who revolted from the king the surer the gain to Hellas, he did not suffer himself to be seduced, either by gifts or by the mightiness in his power, to be drawn into bonds of friendship with the king, but took precaution rather not to abuse their confidence who were willing to revolt. And this, in proof of mental forecast, I must needs praise in him. Holding to the belief that the more satraps there were who revolted from the king the surer the gain to Hellas, he did not suffer himself to be seduced, either by gifts or by the mightiness in his power, to be drawn into bonds of friendship with the king, but took precaution rather not to abuse their confidence who were willing to revolt.
Line 440: Line 439:
  
  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xix.  (Clough, iv. p. 23); the words {e thugater  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xix.  (Clough, iv. p. 23); the words {e thugater
-    autou} were supplied from this passage by Casaubon.+ autou} were supplied from this passage by Casaubon.
  
  
Line 452: Line 451:
  
  (1) Or, "how he presented his own manner in antithesis to the false  (1) Or, "how he presented his own manner in antithesis to the false
-    pretences of the Persian." For {alazoneia} see "Mem." I. vii. 1; + pretences of the Persian." For {alazoneia} see "Mem." I. vii. 1; 
-    Aristot. "N. E." iv. 7; Theophr. "Char." vi.+ Aristot. "N. E." iv. 7; Theophr. "Char." vi.
  
  (2) Lit. "a life striving towards beauteousness."  (2) Lit. "a life striving towards beauteousness."
Line 464: Line 463:
  
  (5) See Herod. i. 135, for the luxury of the Persians and for the  (5) See Herod. i. 135, for the luxury of the Persians and for the
-    refinements of civilisation. See "Mem." II. i. 10; "Cyrop." VIII. + refinements of civilisation. See "Mem." II. i. 10; "Cyrop." VIII. 
-    i. 40.+ i. 40.
  
  (6) Or, "in a round of festivity."  (6) Or, "in a round of festivity."
  
  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xiv.  (Clough, iv. p. 17); "Apophth. Lac." p.  (7) See Plut. "Ages." xiv.  (Clough, iv. p. 17); "Apophth. Lac." p.
-    102; Eur. "Supp." 214, 215. + 102; Eur. "Supp." 214, 215. 
- +{de ou truphomen, theou kataskeuen bio 
-     {de ou truphomen, theou kataskeuen bio +dontos toiauten, oisin ouk arkei tade};
-     dontos toiauten, oisin ouk arkei tade};+
  
  (8) Or, "the most defenceless of God's creatures." Lit. "the weakest  (8) Or, "the most defenceless of God's creatures." Lit. "the weakest
-    of animals."+ of animals."
  
 And what a fine trait this was in him, and betokening how lofty a sentiment, that, being content to adorn his own house with works and possessions suited to a man, and being devoted to the breeding of dogs and horses in large numbers for the chase and warfare, he persuaded his sister Cynisca to rear chariot horses, (9) and thus by her victory (10) showed that to keep a stud of that sort, however much it might be a mark of wealth, was hardly a proof of manly virtue. And surely in the following opinion we may discern plainly the generosity of him who entertained it. To win victories over private persons in a chariot race does not add one tittle to a man's renown. He, rather, who holds his city dear beyond all things else, who has himself sunk deep into the heart of her affections, who has obtained to himself all over the world a host of friends and those the noblest, who can outdo his country and comrades alike in the race of kindliness, and his antagonists in vengeance—such a man may, in a true sense, be said to bear away the palm of victory in conquests noble and magnificent; living and in death to him belongs transcendent fame. And what a fine trait this was in him, and betokening how lofty a sentiment, that, being content to adorn his own house with works and possessions suited to a man, and being devoted to the breeding of dogs and horses in large numbers for the chase and warfare, he persuaded his sister Cynisca to rear chariot horses, (9) and thus by her victory (10) showed that to keep a stud of that sort, however much it might be a mark of wealth, was hardly a proof of manly virtue. And surely in the following opinion we may discern plainly the generosity of him who entertained it. To win victories over private persons in a chariot race does not add one tittle to a man's renown. He, rather, who holds his city dear beyond all things else, who has himself sunk deep into the heart of her affections, who has obtained to himself all over the world a host of friends and those the noblest, who can outdo his country and comrades alike in the race of kindliness, and his antagonists in vengeance—such a man may, in a true sense, be said to bear away the palm of victory in conquests noble and magnificent; living and in death to him belongs transcendent fame.
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  (10) I.e. "at Olympia." Cynisca, according to Pausanias  (iii. 8), was  (10) I.e. "at Olympia." Cynisca, according to Pausanias  (iii. 8), was
-    the first woman who won a prize at Olympia. See also Plut. "Ages." + the first woman who won a prize at Olympia. See also Plut. "Ages." 
-    xx.  (Clough, iv. p. 23).+ xx.  (Clough, iv. p. 23).
  
  
Line 506: Line 504:
  
  (4) As to the word {anamartetos} so translated, see Breitenbach, Exc.  (4) As to the word {anamartetos} so translated, see Breitenbach, Exc.
-    ad x. 4 of his edition.+ ad x. 4 of his edition.
  
  
Line 544: Line 542:
  
  (2) Mr. R. W. Taylor aptly quotes "Othello," III. iii. 157—  (2) Mr. R. W. Taylor aptly quotes "Othello," III. iii. 157—
- +"Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 
-     "Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; +'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; 
-     'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; +But he that filches from me my good name 
-     But he that filches from me my good name +Robs me of that which not enriches him 
-     Robs me of that which not enriches him +And makes me poor indeed."
-     And makes me poor indeed."+
  
 The errors of private persons he bore with gently, but those of rulers he looked upon as grave; since the mischief wrought in the one case was so small, and so large in the other. The proper attribute of royalty was, he maintained, not an avoidance of responsibility, but a constant striving after nobleness. (3) The errors of private persons he bore with gently, but those of rulers he looked upon as grave; since the mischief wrought in the one case was so small, and so large in the other. The proper attribute of royalty was, he maintained, not an avoidance of responsibility, but a constant striving after nobleness. (3)
Line 558: Line 555:
  
  (4) See Plut. "Ages." ii.  (Clough, iv. p. 2); also Plut. "Ap. Lac." p.  (4) See Plut. "Ages." ii.  (Clough, iv. p. 2); also Plut. "Ap. Lac." p.
-    115; ib. p. 103; Cic. "ad Div." V. xii. 7.+ 115; ib. p. 103; Cic. "ad Div." V. xii. 7.
  
 As for riches, he employed them not with justice merely, but with liberality, holding that for a just man it is sufficient if he let alone the things of others, but of a liberal man it is required that he should take of his own and give to supply another's needs. As for riches, he employed them not with justice merely, but with liberality, holding that for a just man it is sufficient if he let alone the things of others, but of a liberal man it is required that he should take of his own and give to supply another's needs.
Line 565: Line 562:
  
  (5) See "Cyr." III. iii. 58, and for the word {deisidaimon}, see Jebb,  (5) See "Cyr." III. iii. 58, and for the word {deisidaimon}, see Jebb,
-    "Theophr. Char." p. 263 foll.; Mr. Ruskin, Preface to "Bibl. + "Theophr. Char." p. 263 foll.; Mr. Ruskin, Preface to "Bibl. 
-    Past." vol. i. p. xxv.+ Past." vol. i. p. xxv.
  
  (6) See Herod. i. 34; Soph. "Oed. Tyr." 1529; and Prof. Jebb's note ad  (6) See Herod. i. 34; Soph. "Oed. Tyr." 1529; and Prof. Jebb's note ad
-    loc.+ loc.
  
 In his judgment it was a greater misfortune to neglect things good and virtuous, knowing them to be so, than in ignorance. Nor was he enamoured of any reputation, the essentials of which he had not laboriously achieved. (7) In his judgment it was a greater misfortune to neglect things good and virtuous, knowing them to be so, than in ignorance. Nor was he enamoured of any reputation, the essentials of which he had not laboriously achieved. (7)
  
  (7) Or, "for which he did not qualify himself by the appropriate  (7) Or, "for which he did not qualify himself by the appropriate
-    labour."+ labour."
  
 He was one of the small band, as it seemed to me, who regard virtue, not as a thing to be patiently endured, (8) but as a supreme enjoyment. At any rate, to win the praise of mankind gave him a deeper pleasure than the acquisition of wealth; and he preferred to display courage far rather in conjunction with prudence than with unnecessary risks, and to cultivate wisdom in action more than by verbal discussion. He was one of the small band, as it seemed to me, who regard virtue, not as a thing to be patiently endured, (8) but as a supreme enjoyment. At any rate, to win the praise of mankind gave him a deeper pleasure than the acquisition of wealth; and he preferred to display courage far rather in conjunction with prudence than with unnecessary risks, and to cultivate wisdom in action more than by verbal discussion.
  
  (8) Or, "as a system of stoical endurance," "a kind of stoicism." But  (8) Or, "as a system of stoical endurance," "a kind of stoicism." But
-    we must not let Xenophon, who is a Socratic, talk of the Stoa. If + we must not let Xenophon, who is a Socratic, talk of the Stoa. If 
-    we knew certainly that the chapter was a much later production, + we knew certainly that the chapter was a much later production, 
-    the language would be appropriate enough.+ the language would be appropriate enough.
  
 Very gentle to his friends, to his enemies he was most terrible. Whilst he could hold out against toil and trouble with the best, nothing pleased him better than yielding to his comrades. But passion was kindled in him by beauty of deed rather than of person. (9) Very gentle to his friends, to his enemies he was most terrible. Whilst he could hold out against toil and trouble with the best, nothing pleased him better than yielding to his comrades. But passion was kindled in him by beauty of deed rather than of person. (9)
Line 596: Line 593:
  
  (10) Lit. "he was the heaviest of antagonists and the lightest of  (10) Lit. "he was the heaviest of antagonists and the lightest of
-    conquerors."+ conquerors."
  
 The same man, whom an enemy would have found it hard to deceive, was pliability itself in the concerns of his friends. Whilst for ever occupied in laying these on a secure foundation, he made it a ceaseless task to baffle the projects of the national foe. The same man, whom an enemy would have found it hard to deceive, was pliability itself in the concerns of his friends. Whilst for ever occupied in laying these on a secure foundation, he made it a ceaseless task to baffle the projects of the national foe.
Line 605: Line 602:
  
  (11) Reading, {megalon kai kalon ephiemenos, eos kai to soma, k.t.l.}  (11) Reading, {megalon kai kalon ephiemenos, eos kai to soma, k.t.l.}
-    See Breitenbach.+ See Breitenbach.
  
 The benefactor of his fatherland, absolutely to the very end; with bounteous hand, even in the arms of death, dealing out largesse (12) to the city which he loved. And so they bore him home to his eternal resting-place; (13) this hero, who, having raised to himself many a monument of his valour over the broad earth, came back to find in the land of his fathers a sepulture worthy of a king. (14) The benefactor of his fatherland, absolutely to the very end; with bounteous hand, even in the arms of death, dealing out largesse (12) to the city which he loved. And so they bore him home to his eternal resting-place; (13) this hero, who, having raised to himself many a monument of his valour over the broad earth, came back to find in the land of his fathers a sepulture worthy of a king. (14)
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