But the respect which the Spartan monarch received neither endowed him with luxury nor exempted him from control.

He was undistinguished by his garb--his mode of life, from the rest of the citizens.

He was subjected to other authorities, could be reprimanded, fined, suspended, exiled, put to death.

If he went as ambassador to foreign states, spies were not unfrequently sent with him, and colleagues the most avowedly hostile to his person associated in the mission.

Thus curbed and thus confined was his authority at home, and his prerogative as a king.