shape, said, "Philopoemen, what fine hands and legs you have; but you
have no belly," as indeed he had a very small waist. However, the jest
was directed more against his power, for though he had plenty of good
infantry and cavalry he was frequently in great distress for money to
pay them. These are the common anecdotes which are current about
Philopoemen.

III. His love of distinction was not entirely unmixed with feelings of
rivalry and passion. He desired to emulate the fame of Epameinondas,
but though he imitated that great man in energy, good sense, and
contempt of money, yet he was unable in political struggles to
maintain his calm unruffled good-nature, but was often betrayed by his
fiery temper into sallies more befitting a soldier than a statesman.
Indeed, from a child he had always been fond of war, and eagerly
devoted himself to soldier-like exercises, such as fighting in
complete armour and riding on horseback. He was thought to be a good
wrestler, and was invited by his friends to contend with them in that
sport, but he asked them whether the practice would not impair his
efficiency as a soldier, when they answered truly that the body and
the life of an athlete differs from that of a soldier in every
respect, more particularly in diet and exercise. The athlete takes
long sleep, frequent meals, regular exercise and intervals of rest,
being likely to be put out of condition by the least change of his
accustomed routine, while the life of a soldier makes him accustomed
to all kinds of change and diversity of life, especially to enduring
hunger and want of sleep. On learning this Philopoemen not only himself
avoided wrestling and ridiculed it, but when he was in command of an
army took every means in his power to bring every kind of athletic
exercise into contempt, as likely to unfit the best men's bodies for
the most important struggles in battle.

IV. On leaving his schoolmasters he took part in the incursion made by
his fellow citizens into the Laconian territory for the purpose of
plunder. In these raids it was his wont always to be first in the
attack, and last in the retreat. In time of peace he would exercise
his body, and make it both swift and strong, either by hunting or by
tilling the ground. He possessed a fine estate about twenty furlongs
from the city: to this he would walk after his morning or evening
meal, and sleep there on any bed he could find, like one of the farm
labourers. Then he woul