1.1
When someone expressed surprise to Agasicles, king of the Spartans, because, although he was very fond of reading and lectures, yet he would not admit to his presence Philophanes, a learned man, he said, I want to be a pupil of those whose son I should like to be as well.
1.2
In answer to a man who raised the question how anyone could possibly rule in safety without the protection of a bodyguard, he said, If one rules his subjects as fathers rule their sons. Cf. Homer, Od. ii. 47.
AGESILAUS THE GREAT Cf. the note on 190 F, supra. Many anecdotes about Agesilaus may be found in Polyaenus, Strategemata, ii. 1.
2.1
Agesilaus the Great was once chosen by lot to be master of ceremonies at an evening party, and, when he was asked by the slave who poured the wine how much wine he should serve to each man, Agesilaus said, If much wine has been provided, as much as each one asks for; but if only a little, then give to all equally.
2.2
When a malefactor endured tortures without flinching, Agesilaus said, What an out-and-out villain the man is, devoting his endurance and fortitude to such base and shameful purposes!
2.3
When someone praised an orator for his ability in making much of small matters, Agesilaus said that a shoemaker is not a good craftsman who puts big shoes on a small foot. Cf. Moralia, 224 C, infra, and Cicero, De oratore, i. 54 (231).
2.4
When someone said to him, You have agreed, and kept repeating the same thing, Agesilaus said, Yes, of course, if it is right; but if not, then I said so, but I did not agree. And when the other added, But surely kings ought to carry out whatsoe’er they confirm by the royal assent, Adapted from Homer, Il. i. 527. Agesilaus said, No more than those who approach kings ought to ask for what is right and say what is right, trying to hit upon the right occasion and a request fitting for kings to grant.
