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mention the murder of the Ephors） set all the slaves at liberty； and
governed by himself alone in reality； having a partner only for
show； having made choice of his brother Euclidas； who was one of the
same family。 He prevailed upon Archidamus； who was the right heir to
the kingdom of the other line； to venture to return home from Messene；
but after his being slain； by not doing anything to revenge his death；
confirmed the suspicion that he was privy to it himself。 Lycurgus；
whose example he professed to imitate； after he had voluntarily
settled his kingdom upon Charillus； his brother's son； fearing lest；
if the youth should chance to die by accident； he might be suspected
for it； travelled a long time； and would not return again to Sparta
until Charillus had a son； and an heir to his kingdom。 But we have
indeed no other Grecian who is worthy to be compared with Lycurgus；
and it is clear enough that in the public measures of Cleomenes
various acts of considerable audacity and lawlessness may be found。
Those； therefore； who incline to blame their characters may observe；
that the two Grecians were disturbers even from their youth； lovers of
contest； and aspirants to despotic power； that Tiberius and Caius by
nature had an excessive desire after glory and honours。 Beyond this；
their enemies could find nothing to bring against them； but as soon as
the contention began with their adversaries； their heat and passions
would so far prevail beyond their natural temper； that by them； as
by ill winds； they were driven afterwards to all their rash
undertakings。 What could be more just and honourable than their
first design； had not the power and the faction of the rich； by
endeavouring to abrogate that law； engaged them both in those fatal
quarrels； the one； for his own preservation； the other； to revenge his
brother's death； who was murdered without any law or justice？
From the account； therefore； which has been given； you yourself
may perceive the difference； which if it were to be pronounced of
every one singly； I should affirm Tiberius to have excelled them all
in virtue； that young Agis had been guilty of the fewest misdeeds； and
that in action and boldness Caius came far short of Cleomenes。
THE END