The Spartans, after drinking in moderation at their public meals, go away without a torch. In fact, they are not permitted to walk with a light either on this route or on any other, so that they may become accustomed to travelling in darkness at night confidently and fearlessly. Cf. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus , chap. xii. (46 f); Xenophon, Constitution of Sparta , 5. 7; Plato, Minos , 320 a.