by inaction, and dwelling in houses; but to lead them out, and make them perform their evolutions under arms, which, while it exercised their bodies, would also rouse their courage; that the labour would become lighter by practice, and might even be rendered not unpleasing by the affability and kindness of their commander.”  Thenceforward, the troops used frequently to be drawn out under the walls of the city, in a plain near the river Eurotas.  The tyrant’s life-guards were generally posted in the centre.  He himself, attended by three horsemen at the most, of whom Alexamenus was commonly one, rode about in front, and went to view both wings to their extremities.  On the right wing were the Aetolians; both those who had been before in his army as auxiliaries, and the thousand who came with Alexamenus.  Alexamenus made it his custom to ride about with Nabis through a few of the ranks, offering such advice as seemed most suitable; then to join his own troops in the right wing; and presently after, as if having given the orders which the occasion might require, to return to the tyrant.  But, on the day which he had fixed for the perpetration of the deed of death, after accompanying the tyrant for a little time, he withdrew to his own soldiers, and addressed the horsemen, sent from home with him, in these words:  “Young men, that deed is now to be dared and done which you were ordered to execute valiantly under my guidance.  Have your courage and your hands ready, that none may fail to second me in whatever he sees me attempt.  If any one shall hesitate, and prefer any scheme of his own to mine, let him rest assured that there is no return to his home for him.”  Horror seized them all, and they well remembered the charge which they had received at setting out.  The tyrant was now coming from the left wing.  Alexamenus ordered his horsemen to rest their lances, and keep their eyes fixed on him; and in the mean time he himself recollected his spirits, which had been discomposed by the meditation of such a desperate attempt.  As soon as the tyrant came near, he charged him; and driving his spear through his horse, brought the rider to the ground.  The horsemen aimed their lances at him as he lay, and after many ineffectual strokes against his coat of mail, their points at length penetrated his body, so that, before relief could be sent from the centre, he expired.

36.  Alexamenus, with all the Aetolians, hastened away, to seize on the palace.  Nabis’s life-guards were at first struck with horror, the act being perpetrated before their eyes; then, when they observed the Aetolian troops leaving the place, they gathered round the tyrant’s body, where it was left, forming, instead of guardians of his life or avengers of his death, a mere group of spectators.  Nor would any one have stirred, if Alexamenus had immediately called the people to an assembly, and, with his arms laid aside, there made a speech suitable to the occasion, and afterwards kept a good number of Aetolians in arms, without violence