Apophthegmata Laconica

Being asked once which was better of the virtues, bravery or justice, he said that there is no use for bravery unless justice is also in evidence, and

The inhabitants of Asia were accustomed to give to the king of Persia the title of The Great, but Agesilaus said, In what, pray, is he greater than I. unless he is more just and more self-controlled? [*](Cf. the note on Moralia, 190 F (2), supra. )

He used to say that the inhabitants of Asia were poor freemen, but good slaves. [*](Cf. the note on Moralia 190 F (1), supra. )

Being asked how one might most surely have a good name among men, he said, If one say what is best and do what is most honourable.

He used to say that a general ought to be possessed of boldness towards the enemy and kind ness towards the men under him. [*](Stobaeus, Florilegium, liv. 49, adds, and reasoning power to meet crises. )

When someone desired to know what boys ought to learn, he said, That which they will use when they become men. [*](Leotychidas (224 D, infra) and Aristippus (diogenes Laertius, ii. 80) expressed the same opinion, which has been repeated ad nauseam by professors of paedagogy.)

Once when he was sitting as judge the accuser spoke well and the defendant poorly, merely repeating in answer to each point, Agesilaus, a king must uphold the laws; whereat Agesilaus said, And if somebody had broken into your house, and if somebody had robbed you of your coat, should you expect that the builder of the house or the maker of the coat would come to your assistance?

After the peace was made, [*](The peace of Antalcidas, 387 B.C. See Moralia, 213 A-B, supra. ) a letter from the king of Persia was brought to him, of which the