"The songs of the Spartans," says PLUTARCH, "had a spirit which could rouse the soul, and impel it in an enthusiastic manner to action. They consisted chiefly of the praises of heroes that had died for Sparta, or else of expressions of detestation for such wretches as had declined the glorious opportunity. Nor did they forget to express an ambition for glory suitable to their respective ages. Of this it may not be amiss to give an instance. There were three choirs in their festivals, corresponding with the three ages of man. The old men began, 'Once in battle bold we shone;' the young men answered, 'Try us; our vigor is not gone;' and the boys concluded, 'The palm remains for us alone.' Indeed, if we consider with some attention such of the Lacedæmonian poems as are still extant, and enter into the spirit of those airs which were played upon the flute when marching to battle, we must agree that Terpan'der and Pindar have very fitly joined valor and music together. The former thus speaks of Lacedæmon: Then gleams the youth's bright falchion; then the Muse Lifts her sweet voice; then awful Justice opes Her wide pavilion. And Pindar sings, Then in grave council sits the sage: Then burns the youth's resistless rage To hurl the quiv'ring lance; The Muse with glory crowns their arms, And Melody exerts her charms, And Pleasure leads the dance. Thus we are informed not only of their warlike turn, but of their skill in music." The poet ION, of Chios, gives us the following elegant description of the power of Sparta: The town of Sparta is not walled with words; But when young A'res falls upon her men, Then reason rules, and the hand does the deed. * * * * * III. SPARTA'S CONQUESTS.