Hence it was that there was always from
generation to generation, a feud and contention between them and
the kings. But Agesilaus took another course. Instead of
contending with them, he courted them; in all proceedings he
commenced by taking their advice, was always ready to go, nay
almost run, when they called him; if he were upon his royal seat
hearing causes and the Ephors came in, he rose to them; whenever
any man was elected into the Council of Elders, he presented him
with a gown and an ox. Thus, whilst he made show of deference to
them, and of a desire to extend their authority, he secretly
advanced his own, and enlarged the prerogatives of the kings by
several liberties which their friendship to his person conceded.
To other citizens he so behaved himself, as to be less blamable in
his enmities than in his friendships; for against his enemy he
forbore to take any unjust advantage, but his friends he would
assist, even in what was unjust. If an enemy had done anything
praiseworthy, he felt it shameful to detract from his due, but his
friends he knew not how to reprove when they did ill, nay, he would
eagerly join with them, and assist them in their misdeed, and
thought all offices of friendship commendable, let the matter in
which they were employed be what it would.
Pages:
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928