Selecta capita ex scriptoribus Graecis in usum classis quintae Carolinae

They teach the boys temperance The Greek term sophrosyne implies self-control, moderation, and sound-mindedness.; and it contributes greatly to their learning to be temperate that they see their elders conducting themselves temperately every day. They also teach them to obey their rulers. And it contributes greatly to this that they see the elders obeying the rulers strictly. They also teach them to be masters of their stomach and drink; and it contributes greatly to this that they see the elders not departing before the rulers permit, because of their stomach; and that the boys do not eat with their mother, but with the teacher, when the rulers signal. They carry from home bread for food, and cress A simple, humble relish eaten with bread. for a side-dish; and for drinking, if one is thirsty, a drinking cup, so as to draw from the river. In addition to these things, they learn to shoot with the bow and to throw the javelin. The boys do these things from birth until they are sixteen or seventeen years old. After this, they pass out into the youths.

These youths in turn spend ten years this way, from when they pass out from the boys. They sleep around the government offices, as was said before, both for the sake of the guard of the city and for temperance (for this age seems to be in most need of care). They also offer themselves most of the day for the rulers to use if they need anything for the common good. And whenever there is need, all remain around the government offices. When the king goes out for hunting, he leads out half of the guard, and leaves behind the other half. He does this many times a month. Those going out must have bows, and at the quiver a knife or a battle-axe The sagaris was a typical Scythian or Persian axe. in a sheath, and also a wicker shield and two javelins, so that one may throw, and the other, if necessary, be used from the hand.