[4] Lit. "could satisfy and dismiss his petitioners without delay."

Again, it is worthy of observation how much easier and simpler to
satisfy was the standard of comfort which the Spartan aimed at.[5] For
the Persian, men must compass sea and land to discover some beverage
which he will care to drink; he needs ten thousand pastrycooks to
supply the kick-shaws he will deign to eat; and to procure him the
blessing of sleep no tongue can describe what a world of trouble must
be taken. But Agesilaus was a lover of toil, and therefore not so
dainty; the meanest beverage was sweet to his lips, and pleasant
enough to his taste was the chance fare of the moment; and for the
purpose of refreshing slumber every place alike conducive. It was not
merely that to fare thus gave him pure pleasure, but in the sense of
contrast lay a double satisfaction. Here was he roaming earth freely
in the midst of a world of delight,[6] and there lay the Persian,
under his eyes, who to escape a life of pain must drag together from
the uttermost parts of earth the separate ingredients for his
pleasure. It was another source of joy that to himself it was given to
confront the appointed order of the universe[7] without pain; while
through weakness of soul his rival, it was plain to see, was driven to
flee away from heat and cold, and to shape his life, not by the
pattern of brave men, but of some mean and defenceless animal.[8]

[5] See Herod. i. 135, for the luxury of the Persians and for the
refinements of civilisation. See "Mem." II. i. 10; "Cyrop." VIII.
i. 40.

[6] Or, "in a round of festivity."