3
For how could anyone have surpassed in nobility of birth the descendants of HeraclesThe Spartan kings claimed descent from Heracles, the son of Zeus and Alcmena; cf. Isoc. 4.62 and Isoc. 6.8. and Zeus—and all men know that to your family alone confessedly belongs this honor—or in valor the founders of the Dorian cities in the Peloponnese who occupied that land, or in the multitude of the perilous deeds and the trophies erected as a result of your leadership and rule?
4
Who would lack material if he wished to recount in full the tale of the courage of your entire state, and of its moderation, and its constitution established by your ancestors? How long a story would be needed to tell of your father’s wisdom, of his handling of affairs in adversity, and of that battle in SpartaIn 362 B.C. the troops of Epaminondas, the Theban general, were routed by Archidamus with 100 hoplites; cf. Xen. Hell. 7.5.9. in which you, leading a few against many, exposed yourself to danger, and, surpassing all, proved to be the author of your city’s salvation—a deed than which no man could point to one more glorious!
