Memorabilia

Did you never reflect that, whenever one chorus is selected from the citizens of this state — for instance, the chorus that is sent to Delos — no choir from any other place can compare with it, and no state can collect so goodly a company?True.

And yet the reason is that Athenians excel all others not so much in singing or in stature or in strength, as in love of honour, which is the strongest incentive to deeds of honour and renown.True again.

Then don’t you think that if one took the same pains with our cavalry, they too would greatly excel others in arms and horses and discipline and readiness to face the enemy, if they thought that they would win glory and honour by it?I expect so.

Don’t hesitate then, but try to encourage this keenness among the men: both you and your fellow-citizens will benefit by the results of your efforts.Most certainly I will try.

Once on seeing Nicomachides returning from the elections, he asked, Who have been chosen generals, Nicomachides?Isn’t it like the Athenians? replied he; they haven’t chosen me after all the hard work I have done, since I was called up, in the command of company or regiment, though I have been so often wounded in action (and here he uncovered and showed his scars); yet they have chosen Antisthenes, who has never served in a marching regiment nor distinguished himself in the cavalry and understands nothing but money-making.

Isn’t that a recommendation, said Socrates, supposing he proves capable of supplying the men’s needs?Why, retorted Nicomachides, merchants too are capable of making money, but that doesn’t make them fit to command an army.

But, cried Socrates, Antisthenes also is eager for victory, and that is a good point in a general.[*](Cyropaedia I. vi. 18.) Whenever he has been choragus, you know, his choir has always won.No doubt, said Nicomachides, but there is no analogy between the handling of a choir and of an army.

But, you see, said Socrates, though Antisthenes knows nothing about music or choir training, he showed himself capable of finding the best experts in these.In the army too, then, said Nicomachides, he will find other to command for him, and others to do the fighting.