23
but it was their custom to use the neighbours’ servants as their own if they needed them and also their dogs and horses, unless the owners required them for their own use. And in the country, if anyone found himself lacking anything and had need of it, he would open an owner’s storehouse and take away enough to meet his need, and then replace the seals and leave it. Cf. Xenophon, Constitution of Sparta, 6. 3-4; Aristotle, Politics, ii. 5.
24
In wars they used red garments for two reasons: first, the colour they thought was a manly colour, and second, the blood-red hue causes more terror in the minds of inexperienced. Also, if anyone of them receive a wound, it is advantageous that it be not easily discovered by the enemy, but be unperceived by reason of the identity of colour. Cf. Xenophon, Constitution of Sparta, 2. 3; the scholium on Aristophanes, Acharnians, 319; Aelian, Varia Historia, vi. 6; Valerius Maximus, ii. 6. 2.
25
Whenever they overcome their enemies by outgeneralling them, they sacrifice a bull to Ares, but when the victory is gained in open conflict, they offer a cock, thus trying to make their leaders habitually not merely fighters but tacticians as well.
26
To their prayers they add the petition that they may be able to submit to injustice.
27
And their prayer is that the gods give them fair and honourable requital for their good deeds, and that is all.
