Whenever they overcome their enemies by outgeneralling them, they sacrifice a bull to Ares, but when the victory is gained in open conflict, they offer a cock, thus trying to make their leaders habitually not merely fighters but tacticians as well.

To their prayers they add the petition that they may be able to submit to injustice.

And their prayer is that the gods give them fair and honourable requital for their good deeds, and that is all.

They worship Aphrodite in her full armour, and the statues of all the gods, both female and male, they make with spear in hand to indicate that all the gods have the valour which war demands.Cf. the note on 232 d, supra.

Those fond of proverbs are wont to quote this on occasion: Yer ain hand use when Fortune ye would call, thus indicating that calling on the gods for aid ought to be accompanied by effort and action on one’s own part, or else they should not be invoked.Cf. Leutsch and Schneidewin, , ii. p. 653, for the ancient versions of God helps those who help themselves; also Babrius, , no. 20.