For these reasons it is said that the rich were bitterly opposed to Lykurgus on this question, and that they caused a tumult and attacked him with shouts of rage.  Pelted with stones from many hands, he was forced to run out of the market-place, and take sanctuary in a temple.  He outstripped all his pursuers except one, a hot-tempered and spirited youth named Alkander, who came up with him, and striking him with a club as he turned round, knocked out his eye.  Lykurgus paid no heed to the pain, but stood facing the citizens and showed them his face streaming with blood, and his eye destroyed.  All who saw him were filled with shame and remorse.  They gave up Alkander to his mercy, and conducted him in procession to his own house, to show their sympathy.  Lykurgus thanked them and dismissed them, but took Alkander home with him.  He did him no harm and used no reproachful words, but sent away all his servants and bade him serve him.  Alkander, being of a generous nature, did as he was ordered, and, dwelling as he did with Lykurgus, watching his kind unruffled temper, his severe simplicity of life, and his unwearied labours, he became enthusiastic in his admiration of him, and used to tell his friends and acquaintances that Lykurgus, far from being harsh or overbearing, was the kindest and gentlest of men.  Thus was Alkander tamed and subdued, so that he who had been a wicked and insolent youth was made into a modest and prudent man.

As a memorial of his misfortune, Lykurgus built the temple of Athene, whom he called Optilitis, for the Dorians in that country call the eyes optiloi.  Some writers, however, among whom is Dioskorides, who wrote an ‘Account of the Spartan Constitution,’ say that Lykurgus was struck upon the eye, but not blinded, and that he built this temple as a thank-offering to the goddess for his recovery.

At any rate, it was in consequence of his mishap that the Spartans discontinued the habit of carrying staffs when they met in council.

XI.  The Cretans call this institution of taking meals in common andreia, which means men’s repast; but the Lacedaemonians call it phiditia, which can either be explained as another form of philia, friendship, putting a d for an l, from the friendly feelings which prevailed at them, or else because it accustomed them to frugality, which is called pheido.  Possibly the first letter was an addition, and the word may have originally been editia, from edode, food.

They formed themselves into messes of fifteen, more or less.  Each member contributed per month a medimnus of barley, eight measures of wine, five minas’ weight of cheese, and half as much of figs; and in addition to this a very small sum of money to buy fish and other luxuries for a relish to the bread.  This was all, except when a man had offered a sacrifice, or been hunting, and sent a portion to the public table.  For persons were