71.3
He used to declare that the heavy-armed soldier ought to have his body trained not only by athletic exercises but by military drill as well. Cf. Cornelius Nepos, Epaminondas, xv. 2. 4 and 5. For this reason he always showed a repugnance towards fat men, and one such man he expelled from the army, saying that three or four shields would scarce serve to protect his belly, because of which he could not see a thing below it. Cf. Plutarch’s Life of M. Cato, chap. ix. (341 C).
71.4
He was so frugal in his manner of living that once, when he was invited to dinner by a neighbour, and found there an elaborate display of cake and pastry and other dishes, and perfumes as well, he left at once, saying, I thought this was to be a meal and not a display of arrogance. Cf. Moralia, 1099 C, and perhaps Diogenes Laertius, vi. 28.
71.5
When the cook rendered his accounts to Epameinondas and his fellow-officers of the expenses for several days, Epameinondas showed indignation only at the great amount of olive oil. As his fellowofficers expressed their surprise, he said it was not the matter of expense that worried him, but that he had taken into his body so much oil.