as a member of the brotherhood of peers.[6]

[5] But see Aristot. "Pol." ii. 9, 32.

[6] Grote, "H. G." viii. 81; "Hell." III. iii. 5.

It may be added, that there was no doubt as to the great antiquity of
this code of laws. The point is clear so far, that Lycurgus himself is
said to have lived in the days of the Heraclidae.[7] But being of so
long standing, these laws, even at this day, still are stamped in the
eyes of other men with all the novelty of youth. And the most
marvellous thing of all is that, while everybody is agreed to praise
these remarkable institutions, there is not a single state which cares
to imitate them.

[7] See Plut. "Lycurg." 1.



XI

The above form a common stock of blessings, open to every Spartan to
enjoy, alike in peace and in war. But if any one desires to be
informed in what way the legislator improved upon the ordinary
machinery of warfare and in reference to an army in the field, it is
easy to satisfy his curiosity.

In the first instance, the ephors announce by proclamation the limit
of age to which the service applies[1] for cavalry and heavy infantry;
and in the next place, for the various handicraftsmen. So that, even