Apophthegmata Laconica

Namertes was sent as an ambassador, and when one of the people in that country congratulated him because he had many friends, he asked if this man had any sure means of testing the man of many friends; and when the other desired to learn, Namertes said, By means of misfortune. [*](Cf. John Heywood, Proverbs, part. i. chap. 11: But indeede a friend is never known till a man have neede. )

Nicander, when someone said that the Argives were speaking ill of him, said, Well then, they are paying the penalty for speaking ill of the good! [*](He was invading Argolis and laying waste the country; see Pausanias, iii. 7. 4.)

When someone inquired why the Spartans wore their hair long and cultivated beards, he said, Because for a man his own adornment is the very best and cheapest. [*](Cf. the note on Moralia, 189 F (3), supra. )

When one of the Athenians said, Nicander, you Spartans insist too much on your principle of doing no work, he said, Quite true; we do not make work of this thing or that thing in your haphazard fashion. [*](Cf.Moralia, 348 F and 710 F; Plato, Laws, 803 C-D. See also the note on Moralia, 221 C, supra. )

Panthoedas went on embassy to Asia and when they pointed out to him a very strong wall he said, By Heaven, strangers, fine quarters for women! [*](Cf. the note on Moralia, 190 A, supra. )

When the philosophers in the Academy were conversing long and seriously, and afterwards some people asked Panthoidas how their conversation impressed him, he said, What else than serious? But there is no good in it unless you put it to use. [*](Cf.Moralia, 192 B, 220 D, and 1033 B-E.)