Apophthegmata Laconica

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. )

When the ambassadors of the Samians spoke at great length, the Spartans said to them, We hae forgot the first part, and the later part we did na ken because we hae forgot the first.[*](Cf.Moralia, 216 A (15) supra. )

When a speaker extended his remarks to a great length, and then asked for answers to report to his citizens, they said, Report that you found it hard to stop speaking and we to listen. [*](Cf.Moralia, 216 A (15), supra. )