Instituta Laconia

Moreover the rhythmic movement of their marching songs was such as to excite courage and boldness, and contempt for death; and these they used both in dancing, and also to the accompaniment of the flute when advancing upon the enemy. In fact, Lycurgus coupled fondness for music with military drill, so that the over-assertive warlike spirit, by being combined with melody, might have concord and harmony. It was for this reason that in time of battle the king offered sacrifice to the Muses before the conflict, so that those who fought should make their deeds worthy to be told and to be remembered with honour.[*](Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xxi. (53 b-d); Thucydides, v. 70; Dio Chrysostom, Or. ii. 31 M., 92 R.; Athenaeus, 632 f; Valerius Maximus, ii. 6. 2; Bergk, Poet. Lyr. Graec. ii. p. 404.)