Regum et imperatorum apophthegmata
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng3
59.1
59.1
Agis the king said that the Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy, but where are they.
59.1
1
59.2
59.2
At Mantineia, when efforts were made to dissuade him from risking a battle with the enemy who outnumbered his own men, he said,
59.2
He who would rule over many must fight with many.
59.2
1
59.3
59.3
When the Eleans were commended for conducting the Olympic games honourably, he said,
59.3
What wonderful feat is it if they practise justice on one day in four years ?
59.3
And when these same persons were persistent in their commendation, he said,
59.3
What wonder if they practise honourably an honourable thing, that is, justice ?
59.3
1
59.4
59.4
To a base man, who asked him many times who was the best of the Spartans, he replied,
59.4
The one most unlike you.
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59.5
59.5
When another man inquired about the number
59.5
of the Spartans, he said,
59.5
Enough to keep away all bad men.
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59.6
59.6
When another asked the same question, he said, You will think they are many, if you see them fight.