124 LYCURGUS.

dEemonians, that, with a common staff* and a coarse coat, they gained the willing and joyful obedience of Greece, through whose whole extent they suppressed unjust usurpations and despotisms, arbitrated in war, and com- posed civil dissensions ; and this often without so much as taking; down one buckler, but barely by sending some one single deputy, to whose direction all at once submit- ted, like bees swarming and taking their places around their prince. Such a fund of order and ecpuity, enough and to spare for others, existed in their state. And therefore I cannot but wonder at those who say that the Spartans were good subjects, but bad governors, and for proof of it allege a saying of king Theopoinpus, who, when one said that Sparta held up so long because their kings could command so well, replied, " Nay. rather because the people know so well how to obey." For people do not obey, unless rulers know how to com- mand ; obedience is a lesson taught by commanders. A true leader himself creates the obedience of his own fol- lowers ; as it is the last attainment in the art of riding to make a horse gentle and tractable, so is it of the science of government, to inspire men with a willingness to obey. The Laceda?nionians inspired men not with a mere willingness, but with an absolute desire, to be their subjects. For they did not send petitions to them for ships or money, or a supply of armed men, but only for a . Spartan commander ; and, having obtained one, used him with honor and reverence; so the Sicilians behaved to Gylippus, the Chalcidians to Brasidas, and all the Greeks in Asia to Lysander, Callicratidas, and Agesilaus ; they styled them the composers and chasteners of each people or prince they were sent to, and had then eyes always

• The scytale, around which their despatches were rollod.