15
So there were three choirs,Pollux, Lexicon, iv. 107, says that the three choirs were established by Tyrtacus. corresponding to the three periods of life, which were made up at their festivals, and the choir of old men would begin with this song Cf. Moralia, 544 e; Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xxi. (53 b). Other references may be found in Bergk, Poet. Lyr. Graec. iii. p. 661, or Diehl, Anthologia Lyrica Graeca, ii. p. 197, or Edmonds, Lyra Graeca (in the L.C.L.), iii. p. 530.: Young valiant men long days ago were we. Then the choir of men in the prime of life would sing in response, And that are we; look, if you will, and see. And the third choir, that of the boys, would sing, And better far ’tis certain we shall be.
16
Moreover the rhythmic movement of their marching songs was such as to excite courage and boldness, and contempt for death; and these they used both in dancing, and also to the accompaniment of the flute when advancing upon the enemy. In fact, Lycurgus coupled fondness for music with military drill, so that the over-assertive warlike spirit, by being combined with melody, might have concord and harmony. It was for this reason that in time of battle the king offered sacrifice to the Muses before the conflict, so that those who fought should make their deeds worthy to be told and to be remembered with honour. Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus, chap. xxi. (53 b-d); Thucydides, v. 70; Dio Chrysostom, Or. ii. 31 M., 92 R.; Athenaeus, 632 f; Valerius Maximus, ii. 6. 2; Bergk, Poet. Lyr. Graec. ii. p. 404.
