body. At the present time the rule is so far modified that the duty is
entrusted to foreigners, (5) if there be a foreign contingent present,
with a leaven of Spartans themselves to keep them company. (6)

(4) See Muller's "Dorians," ii. 253; "Hell." VI. v. 24; "Cyrop." IV.
ii. 1; Thuc. v. 67, 71; Grote, "H. G." vii. 110.

(5) See "Hipparch." ix. 4.

(6) Reading {auton de}. The passage is probably corrupt. See L.
Dindorf ad loc.

The custom of always taking their spears (7) with them when they go
their rounds must certainly be attributed to the same cause which
makes them exclude their slaves from the place of arms. Nor need we be
surprised if, when retiring for necessary purposes, they only withdraw
just far enough from one another, or from the place of arms itself, not
to create annoyance. The need of precaution is the whole explanation.

(7) See Critias, ap. Schneider ad loc.

The frequency with which they change their encampments is another point.
It is done quite as much for the sake of benefiting their friends as of
annoying their enemies.

Further, the law enjoins upon all Lacedaemonians, during the whole
period of an expedition, the constant practice of gymnastic (8)
exercises, whereby their pride (9) in themselves is increased, and they
appear freer and of a more liberal aspect than the rest of the world.
(10) The walk and the running ground must not exceed in length (11) the
space covered by a regimental division, (12) so that no one may find
himself far from his own stand of arms. After the gymnastic exercises
the senior polemarch gives the order (by herald) to be seated. This
serves all the purposes of an inspection. After this the order is given
"to get breakfast," and for "the outposts (13) to be relieved." After
this, again, come pastimes and relaxations before the evening exercises,
after which the herald's cry is heard "to take the evening meal." When
they have sung a hymn to the gods to whom the offerings of happy omen
had been performed, the final order, "Retire to rest at the place of
arms," (14) is given.

(8) Cf. Herod. vii. 208; Plut. "Lycurg." 22 (Clough, i. 113 foll.)

(9) Reading {megalophronesterous} (L. Dindorf's emendation) for the
vulg. {megaloprepesterous}. Xen "Opusc. polit." Ox. MDCCCLVI.

(10) Or, "the proud self-consciousness of their own splendour is
increased, and by comparison with others they bear more notably
the impress of freemen."

(11)