Small wonder, I think, that where such a load of dishonour is laid on the
						coward, death seems preferable to a life so dishonoured, so ignominious.
					 The law by which Lycurgus encouraged the
						practice of virtue up to old age is another excellent measure in my opinion.
						By requiring men to face the ordeal of election to the Council of Elders
						near the end of life, he prevented neglect of high principles even in old
						age.