for they fought with Sparta's allies for their freedom. And when
victorious they thought them worthy of the same privileges which they
enjoyed, and if unsuccessful they would have fastened slavery firmly on
the Peloponnesians.

69. As they so conducted themselves their life was pitiful, and their
death desired; but these lived and died praised, being brought up in the
virtues of their ancestors, and on becoming men they kept their fame
untarnished and exhibited their own valor. 70. For they brought many
benefits to their country, and made good the ill-successes of others, and
carried war far from their own land. And they ended their lives as the
good should die, having paid what is due to the country and leaving grief
for those who trained them. 71. So it is fitting for the living to bewail
these men and pity themselves and pity their relatives in future. For
what pleasure will there be left them after these men are buried, who
from their belief in the importance of virtue before all else lose their
lives, made their wives widows and their children orphans, and rendered
desolate their brothers, fathers and mothers. 72. For their many
sufferings, I envy the children who are too young to know of what sort of
parents they are bereft, and I pity their parents who are too old to
forget their trial. 73. For what could be more terrible than this, to
have and bring up children, and in old age become helpless and without
hope, become friendless and without resources, and be pitied by the same
ones who once envied them, and have death seem more to be desired than
life? The braver men they were, the greater the grief for those left
behind. 74. And how are they to cease grieving? In the crises of the
state? But others should fittingly remember them at such a time. In the
time of common prosperity? But is it then reasonable that they grieve, as
their children are dead, and the living are reaping the benefits of their
valor? But in private troubles, when they see those formerly their