an earnest pursuit in a community where the possession of wealth
entails more pain than its employment brings satisfaction?

[2] Or, "against illegitimate commerce."

[3] See Plut. "Lycurg." 9 (Clough, i. 94).

[4] = 40 pounds, circa.

[5] See Grote, "H. G." ix. 320; Aristot. "Pol." ii. 9, 37.



VIII

But to proceed. We are all aware that there is no state[1] in the
world in which greater obedience is shown to magistrates, and to the
laws themselves, than Sparta. But, for my part, I am disposed to think
that Lycurgus could never have attempted to establish this healthy
condition,[2] until he had first secured the unanimity of the most
powerful members of the state. I infer this for the following
reasons.[3] In other states the leaders in rank and influence do not
even desire to be thought to fear the magistrates. Such a thing they
would regard as in itself a symbol of servility. In Sparta, on the
contrary, the stronger a man is the more readily does he bow before
constituted authority. And indeed, they magnify themselves on their
humility, and on a prompt obedience, running, or at any rate not
crawling with laggard step, at the word of command. Such an example of
eager discipline, they are persuaded, set by themselves, will not fail
to be followed by the rest. And this is precisely what has taken