A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Modesty and Moderation 113
order that their children might spring from a healthy
source and so grow up strong. . . . He did away with all
affectation of seclusion and retirement among the women,
and ordained that the girls, no less than the boys, should
go unclad in processions, and dance and sing at festivals
in the presence of the young men.
III.
The Modesty of the Youths; the Moderation
OF THEIR Food
Furthermore, in his desire firmly to implant in their Silent and
youthful souls a root of modesty he imposed upon these
bigger boys a special rule. In the very streets they were cmsiiMhn
to keep their two hands within the folds of the cloak; of the Lacedamomans,
they were to walk m silence and without turning their 3.
heads to gaze, now here now there, but rather to keep
their eyes fixed upon the ground before them. And hereby
it would seem to be proved conclusively that, even in the
matter of quiet bearing and sobriety, the masculine type
may claim greater strength than that which we attribute
to the nature of women. At any rate, you might sooner
expect a stone image to find voice than one of those Spartan
youths; to divert the eyes of some bronze statue were
less difficult. And as to quiet bearing, no bride ever
stepped in bridal bower with more natural modesty. Note
them when they have reached the public table. The
plainest answer to the question asked,—that is all you
need expect from their lips.
As to food, his ordinance allowed them so much as Their food,
while not inducing repletion, should guard them from ib. 5-7.
actual want. And in fact, there are many exceptional
dishes in the shape of game supplied from the hunting
field.
Or, as a substitute for these, rich men will occasion-
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