Note 39 — Chapter XV · THE FRAGMENTS OF ÆSCHYLUS, SOPHOCLES, AND EURIPIDES.

Of all the thousand ills that prey on Hellas Not one is greater than the tribe of athletes; For, first, they never learn how to live well, Nor, indeed, could they; seeing that a man, Slave to his jaws and belly, cannot hope To heap up wealth superior to his sire's. How to be poor and row in fortune's boat They know no better; for they have not learned Manners that make men proof against ill luck. Lustrous in youth, they lounge like living statues. Decking the streets; but when sad old age comes, They fall and perish like a threadbare coat. I've often blamed the customs of us Hellenes, Who for the sake of such men meet together To honor idle sport and feed our fill; For who, I pray you, by his skill in wrestling, Swiftness of foot, good boxing, strength at quoits, Has served his city by the crown he gains? Will they meet men in fight with quoits in hand, Or in the press of shields drive forth the foeman By force of fisticuffs from hearth and home? Such follies are forgotten face to face With steel. We therefore ought to crown with wreaths Men wise and good, and him who guides the State, A man well-tempered, just, and sound in counsel, Or one who by his words averts ill deeds, Warding off strife and warfare; for such things Bring honor on the city and all Hellenes.