Apophthegmata Laconica

He said that the Spartans did not ask how many are the enemy, but where are they? [*](Cf. the note on 190 C (1), supra. )

When, at Mantineia, he was not permitted to risk a decisive battle with the enemy, who outnumbered his men, he said, He who would rule over many must fight with many. [*](Cf. the note on 190 C (2), supra. )

When someone inquired how many Spartans there were, he said, Enough to keep all bad men away. [*](Cf. the note on 190 D (5), supra. )

As he was going about among the walls of the Corinthians and observed that they were high and

When a lecturer said, Speech is the most important thing of all, he retorted, Then if you are silent, you are of no worth at all!

When the Argives, after their defeat, met him again with greater boldness, and he saw that his allies were greatly perturbed, he said, Do not be afraid, men; for when we who are victorious are frightened, what do you think those vanquished by us are doing?

In answer to the ambassador from Abdera, who, after winding up a long discourse, asked him what report he should make to his people at home, he said, Report that during all the time you wanted to speak I listened in silence. [*](Cf.Moralia, 232 E (2), infra. )

When some commended the people of Elis because they were very just in conducting the Olympic games, he said, What great or marvellous accomplishment is it if they practise justice on one day only in four years? [*](Cf. the note on 190 C (3), supra. )