For by being of one mind amongst themselves regarding the outside world they have always
 striven to set the Hellenes at variance with each other, reducing this practice, as it
 were, to a fine art and they have always looked upon the cruellest of evils which befell
 the other states as of all things in the world the greatest of boons to themselves; for
 when the states were in such stress, they found it possible to manage them as they
 pleased. So that no one could justly praise them because of their concord, any more than
 one could praise pirates or brigands or men given to other forms of injustice. For such
 men also enjoy concord among themselves For this concord
 “honor among thiefs” see Plat. Rep. 351c . and
 thereby seek to destroy all others. But if I appear to some to use a comparison which is not in keeping with the reputation
 of the Spartans, I discard this and instance the Triballians, See 50, note. who, according to what all men say, are of one mind as
 are no other people on earth, but are bent on destroying not only those who border upon
 their territory and those who live in their neighborhood but also all others whom they are
 able to reach. But men who pretend to excellence must not imitate their example but much rather the
 power of wisdom and of justice and of the other virtues. For these do not work for the
 benefit of their own natures, See the argument between
 Socrates and Thrasymachus in Plat. Rep. 1 . but
 whomsoever they visit and abide with—these they bless with prosperity and happiness. But
 the Lacedaemonians do the very opposite: whomsoever they approach they seek to destroy and
 they are ever striving to appropriate all the good things which belong to the world at
 large.” Having said these things, I silenced the man to whom I had addressed my remarks, albeit
 he was able and experienced in many things and had been trained in speaking no less than
 any of those who had been under my instruction. However, the youths who had been present
 at all this discussion did not form the same judgement as myself, but, while they
 applauded me both for having spoken more vigorously than they anticipated and for having
 debated well, they disparaged my opponent, although in fact they judged neither of us
 correctly but missed the truth as to us both. For he went his way, having grown wiser and feeling
 chastened in spirit, as is becoming to men of intelligence he had experienced the force of
 the inscription at Delphi and come to know
 both himself and the nature of the Lacedaemonians better than before. I, on the other
 hand, remained, having perhaps debated effectively, but having because of this very fact
 shown less understanding, cherishing a greater pride than befits men of my age, and given
 over to youthful confusion.