Capítulo 59
[59.1] Agis the king said that the Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy, but where are they. Cf. Moralia, 215 D, infra.
[59.2] At Mantineia, when efforts were made to dissuade him from risking a battle with the enemy who outnumbered his own men, he said, He who would rule over many must fight with many. Ibid.
[59.3] When the Eleans were commended for conducting the Olympic games honourably, he said, What wonderful feat is it if they practise justice on one day in four years ? And when these same persons were persistent in their commendation, he said, What wonder if they practise honourably an honourable thing, that is, justice ? Ibid. 215 F, and Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xx. (52 C).
[59.4] To a base man, who asked him many times who was the best of the Spartans, he replied, The one most unlike you. Life of Lycurgus and Moralia, 216 C.
[59.5] When another man inquired about the number of the Spartans, he said, Enough to keep away all bad men. Cf. Moralia, 215 D; (5) infra; Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xx. (52 D).
[59.6] When another asked the same question, he said, You will think they are many, if you see them fight.