11. It is, however, well known that in this respect the ancient severity of custom was gradually relaxed. Even in the third generation before the Persian war, the just Glaucus was tempted to defraud a Milesian of a sum of money deposited with him. The Persian war only increased the public wealth, and the Persian subsidies were confined to the payment of national expenses. When at length Lysander brought vast sums of money into Sparta, and made this state the most wealthy in Greece,(989) the citizens are reported still to have maintained the same proud indigence. But was it possible for individuals to despise what the state esteemed so highly, and would they not naturally endeavour to found their fame upon that on which the power of the nation depended? Even Lysander, who, with all the artfulness and versatility of his manners, had a considerable severity of character, was still unwilling to enrich himself;(990) a credible witness(991) indeed relates, that he had deposited a talent and fifty-two minas of silver, together with eleven staters, probably in case he should have occasion for them when out of the country; but how small is this sum when compared with the acquisitions of others in similar situations! It appears, however, to have been at that time customary to deposit money without the boundaries, especially in Arcadia, and this was the first means adopted for evading the law.(992) Lysander, however, was far exceeded by Gylippus in love for money, in whose family avarice appears to have been hereditary; for his father Cleandridas had been condemned for taking bribes.(993) Lastly, after the death of Lysander, the possession of precious metals must have been allowed to private individuals, under certain conditions with which we are unacquainted. At least some supposition of this kind must be adopted, to enable us to account for the fact, that Phœbidas was fined 100,000 drachmas for the taking of the Cadmea, and Lysanoridas an equally large sum for his weak defence of the same citadel.(994) No regular taxation of the citizens of Sparta existed in any shape.(995) Extraordinary contributions and taxes were, however, raised for the purposes of war, which, on account of their unusual and irregular occurrence, were collected with difficulty.(996) This will serve to explain the exemption from duties (ἀτέλεια) that is sometimes mentioned.(997) When in the time of Agis the Third the ephor Agesilaus extended the annual period of his office for a month, in order to increase his receipts,(998) it is probable that he reckoned upon large fines;(999) of which he, as it seems, would receive a part. There was no public treasure at Sparta up to the time of the Peloponnesian war;(1000) the revenue and expenditure were therefore nearly equal; and the Spartans were honest enough to require from the allies only the sums which were necessary,(1001) The altered state of these circumstances in later times lies without the sphere of our inquiries.