Apophthegmata Laconica

Charillus, being asked why Lycurgus made so few laws, said, Because those who use few words have need of but few laws. [*](Cf.Moralia, 189 F (1), supra. )

When someone inquired why they took their girls into public places unveiled, but their married women veiled, he said, Because the girls have to find husbands, and the married women have to keep to those who have them !

When one of the Helots conducted himself rather boldly toward him, he said, If I were not angry, I would kill you. [*](Cf.Moralia, 189 F (2), supra. )

When someone asked him what he thought to be the best form of government, he said, That in which the greatest number of citizens are willing, without civil strife, to vie with one another in virtue. [*](Cf.Moralia, 154 E.)

When someone inquired why all the statues of the gods erected among them were equipped with weapons,[*](Cf., for example Head, Historia Numorum (Oxford, 911), p. 434.) he said, So that we may not put upon the gods the reproaches which are spoken against men because of their cowardice, and so that the young men may not pray to the gods unarmed.

In answer to the man who inquired why they wore their hair long, he said, Because this is the natural and inexpensive form of ornament. [*](Cf. the note on Moralia, 189 F (3), supra. )