Book 7
9
(8) So also if any other nation whatever does so, always2d joint article. excepting kings, cities, and tribes, with whom we have sworn agreements and friendships.
9
(9) If we decide to take away from, or3d joint article. Mutual consent required for an alteration. add to this sworn treaty, we will so take away, or add thereto, only as we both may agree. . . .
10
Democracy being established at Messene, and the men Political state of Messene. of rank having been banished, while those who had received allotments on their lands obtained the chief influence in the government, those of the old citizens who remained found it very hard to put up with the equality which these men had obtained. . . .
10
Gorgus of Messene, in wealth and extraction, was inferiorThe character of the Messenian athlete and statesman Gorgus. See ante. 5. 5. to no one in the town; and had been a famous athlete in his time, far surpassing all rivals in that pursuit. In fact he was not behind any man of his day in physical beauty, or the general dignity of his manner of life, or the number of prizes he had won. Again, when he gave up athletics and devoted himself to politics and the service of his country, he gained no less reputation in this department than in his former pursuit. For he was removed from the Philistinism that usually characterises athletes, and was looked upon as in the highest degree an able and clear-headed politician. . . .
