The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-07-20
The Spartans.

The Spartans.
Among the Spartans one kind of thief
was encouraged, aud even authorized BY
the law, and by the consent of the citizens
and this was their stealing herbs or roots
from the gardens and public paets; but il
they were caught in the act they were pun
lshed for want of dexterity. The design o1
the Spartan legislator, in allowing this
practice, was to inspire the Spartan youth
who were designed for war, with view tt
self-defence, and to extent of dominion
wit, boldness, subtlety, and dress; to
inure them betimes to the life of soldier;
to teach them to live upon little, and to-
be able to shift for themselves.
Corpnlency incurred public contempt,
and sometimes banishment. Magnificent
sepulchres were forbidden; nor was the
plainest or most modest inscription permit
ted, except for such as were slain in battle,
or for women who had devoted themselves
to a religious life. Tears, sighs and out
cries were not permitted in public, because
they dishonored Spartans, who ought to
bear all things with equanimity. Graves
we're allowed in the city, and they buried
close to the temples, that all people might
be familiar VILE ueatn, and not conceive
/ it as q thing dreadful III itself, or that dead
bodies defled the living.
Celibacy was regarded in men as infam-
Gus, and punished By various tokens OF
contempt. fla man did not marry when
at.full age, he was liable to an action; as
those also were who married above or
below themselves. Such as had three
children had certain immunities, and those
who had four were free from all taxes.
Virgins were married without portions;
and husbands were allowed to beat their
wives. The men ofsparta were distinguish
ed for their virtue, but the Spartan women
for their boldness. Lycurgus would not al,
low all sorts Of persons to travel, lest they
should bring home foreign manners, and
return infected with the licentious customs
of other countries.
A soldier was the only reputable profes
sion in Sparta mechanic or husbandman
was looked upon with contempt. A soldier
was never to fly or to turn his back upon
his enemies, however superior in number;
or to quit his post; or to deliver up his
arms; in word, either to conquer or die.
A Spartan mother, hearing that her son
was killed in battle lighting for his
country, answered, coldly:
u brought him into the word for no
other purpose"
After forty years service, man was by
law no longer required to go into the field;
and consequently, if the military age was
thirty years (forthis was the period, it is sup
posed, (which they entered into the service
Of their country, the spartans were not
held inYalids till they were seventy. A pret-
II period oflife for d soldier to retire from
he arduous career Of warrior, and to
receive his half.payl
Drunkenness was considered Infamous
among them, and punished aud that
young men might conceive The greater alb
lorrenee of this species Of debauchery, the
slaves were compelled to drink to excess,
hat the beastliness Of the vice migfAa .ap-
,ear. When they retired from the public
meals, they were not allowed any torches
'r lights, because it was expected that
nen who were perfectly sober should be
tble to find their way in the dark beside,
his practice gave them q facility of march
ng without light, quality very useful to
hem il time of war
As 10 dress, there was no distinction be.
Ween the rich and poor. Their garments
ere made for nse and not for show and
hey we're taught betimes to distinguish :
themselves BY their virtues, rather than by
lier robes. Boys we're always used to 60 i
'ithout shoes, nor were they permitted to \
Ut Or trim their hair. Bankers were not a
flowed, and interest was also forbidden
] the Spartan commonwealth. d
4 writer has observed, with respect 70
'yeurgus, AThat this legislator ordained II
lat the magistrates should not The appoint j
q By lot, but elected By sufrages. He
epriyed riches ofthe influence d drespect i
nnexed to them, and diYestea even love OF