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CHAPTER XXXI.

Sparta-Continued.

In the political constitution of Sparta, there were two kings; a senate of twenty-eight old men; five magistrates called ephori, resembling the tribunes of the people at Rome, but with more extensive powers; assemblies of the free citizens for discussing their own peculiar interests; and assemblies of all the citizens of the other free towns in Laconia.

There were two kings at Sparta, of two different families, in each of which the crown descended to the eldest son, or to the nearest male heir. The heir to the crown was not brought up with the other children of the state, that he might not be in danger of losing the respect necessary for his station.

The power of the kings was very limited. Their chief power in peace was to regulate matters connected with religion, and to appoint various inferior officers of the magistracy and priesthood. They presided in the senate, and proposed matters for deliberation; and each had two suffrages. They were considered as merely the first citizens of a free state, and went about without a retinue and without ostentation. In time of war, the kings commanded the armies, with full pow. ers of a general, and had liberty to conclude a truce with the enemy.

The senate consisted of twenty-eight members, above sixty years of age, elected to the office for life by the voice of the citizens. Their office was

to deliberate on all questions respecting peace and war, foreign alliances, &c. They were judges in matters of importance, and both the lives and fortunes of the people depended on their decisions.

The ephori were five in number, elected annually by the citizens. They held courts in the forum, where they decided in matters of dispute between individuals, and also, along with the senate, they had the power of life and death. They had, likewise, authority over other magistrates, so as to depose or imprison, and bring them to trial for their lives. They could assume this right over the kings, but they were very delicate in exercising it. Two of them generally accompanied the king in his military expeditions, as a watch over his conduct.

To these magistrates was entrusted the care of education, to see that the children were brought up according to the institutions of Lycurgus. They had the executive power, received foreign ambassadors, convened general assemblies, and presided in them; they levied troops, and sent them to their destination; and sent to the general of the army, orders which he was bound to obey.

The assemblies of the people were to decide on matters laid before them by the senate. They were composed of all the citizens of thirty years of age. The citizens of Laconia were 30,000 in number. Lycurgus caused the whole country to be divided into that number of equal shares, of which the district of Sparta contained, according to some accounts, 9,000; but according to others only 6,000 or 4,500.

Celibacy was considered disgraceful, and bachelors were subjected to various penalties. The

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citizens were required to marry women of their own rank and without portions, that they might form a union from motives of pure affection.

Lycurgus ordained that children of all ranks should be brought up in the same manner; that they should be inured to bridle their appetites, and be accustomed to spare meals and fasting. At twelve years of age, they were examined to see how far they were competent to endure darkness and solitude, and also as to their temperance in the choice of articles of food.

The Spartans were ordered to eat together in public, and non-attendance at these meals was subject to a fine. The intention of the law was to repress luxury; and that the young might derive instruction from the aged, who were wont to relate, during the repast, all such achievements as had been marked with celebrity during their lives. It was forbidden to eat at home, previous to going to these meals. The kings, magistrates, and citizens, seated themselves at tables containing fifteen covers, each. The guests at one table did not interfere with those of another, but formed a fraternity into which no person could be received but by the consent of all who composed it.

Their food and drink were of the plainest sort, and one dish in particular, the black broth, has been spoken of in all ages. The expense of these public meals was defrayed by individuals who were obliged to furnish every month a certain quantity of barley-meal, wine, cheese, figs and money.

The rich and poor were clothed alike. They were not to change either the fashion or the materials of their garments, which were calculated

to produce warmth, and but little adapted for ornament. Even the kings conformed to this custom. Boys were not permitted to wear shoes, that their feet might become indurated, and that they might early climb steep and rough declivities. The Spartans were not to use baths or ointments, except at stated times, but were expected to bathe in the river.

So long as the Spartans remained independent of other states, they were, at home, bound as strictly by the laws and customs, as soldiers are by the rules of war in a camp.

Obedience to superiors was strictly required, as a matter which constituted the essence of all government. To honor the aged was also especially enjoined. The youths rose up whenever the old men entered; they gave way to them in the streets, and were silent when they spoke. As all children were deemed the property of the state, the old assumed the authority of parents, and might reprove not only their own sons, but those of others, if concerned in any impropriety.

The Spartans made no great proficiency in science, literature, or the arts. Even their laws, for a long period, were not committed to writing. They were forbidden to exercise any mean or mechanical occupation.

The profession of a soldier was the most honor able. Curious and refined arts, or such as tended to luxury, were forbidden. Theatrical entertainments were not allowed.

It is stated by credible authors, that the Spartan youth were allowed to steal, but if detected they were liable to be punished for their want of dex

terity. To be distinguished by such regulations as these, seems a matter of unskilful policy.

Boys were daily exercised in hunting, to render them robust and active. Young men and women were to practise dancing. They were also to be exercised in running, wrestling and throwing the quoit or javelin. It was the intention of the legislator that the women, as well as men, should be strong and alert. The youths were to be constantly employed. At a certain time, boys were to be whipped in the temple, and around the altar of Diana. This took place once every year; and such as endured this flagellation without groaning or shedding a tear, were held in high esteem.

Gold and silver were prohibited under severe penalties, and no money except that made of iron was allowed. Contracts were made by barter. The laws respecting money were ill observed, and, after the conquest of Athens, were abrogated entirely.

Till a man arrived at the age of thirty, he was not to be sent abroad to serve in the army, but was to remain at home to defend the country. They were not to undertake sieges of towns, or engage at sea; but this law grew in time to be disregarded. A soldier who lost his shield in battle, was deemed infamous.

In time of war, the severity of their regulations was relaxed, and the soldiers were permitted to indulge in such enjoyments as they could procure. They were not to commence a military expedition before the full moon. Bravery in war was one great object which their education was calculated to promote. Whoever left the ranks and fled was inevitably disgraced.

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