Instituta Laconia

Plutarch

Plutarch. Moralia, Vol. III. Babbitt, Frank Cole, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1931 (printing).

Whenever they overcome their enemies by

outgeneralling them, they sacrifice a bull to Ares, but when the victory is gained in open conflict, they offer a cock, thus trying to make their leaders habitually not merely fighters but tacticians as well.

To their prayers they add the petition that they may be able to submit to injustice.

And their prayer is that the gods give them fair and honourable requital for their good deeds, and that is all.