Apophthegmata Laconica

Polycratidas was sent, along with others, as ambassador to the king’s generals, and when these asked whether they were there as private citizens or had been sent as public representatives, he said, If we succeed, public; if not, private. [*](Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xxv. (55 C).)

Phoebidas, before the hazardous engagement at Leuctra, when some remarked that this day would show the brave man, said that the day was worth much if it had the power to show the brave man.

The story is told that Soils, being besieged by the Cleitorians in a rugged and waterless stronghold, agreed to give up to them the land which he had captured by the spear if all the men with him should drink from the neighbouring spring. This spring the enemy were guarding. When the oaths had been exchanged, he got together his men and offered the kingdom to the man who would not drink; however no one had the strength to resist, but they all drank; whereupon he came down after all the rest, and sprinkled himself, the enemy still being present, and went back and took possession of the land on the ground that he had not drunk. [*](Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. ii. (40 C).)

Teleclus, in answer to the man who said that Teleclus’s father was speaking ill of him, said, If he had had no cause to speak, he would not have spoken.