[12] As for the young men who are left at home, they spend their time in shooting and hurling the javelin, and practising all they learnt as boys, in one long trial of skill.

Beside this, public games are open to them and prizes are offered; and the tribe which can claim the greatest number of lads distinguished for skill and courage and faithfulness is given the meed of praise from all the citizens, who honour, not only their present governor, but the teacher who trained them when they were boys.
Moreover, these young men are also employed by the magistrates if garrison work needs to be done or if malefactors are to be tracked or robbers run down, or indeed on any errand which calls for strength of limb and fleetness of foot.

Such is the life of the youth.

But when the ten years are accomplished they are classed as grown men.

[13] And from this time forth for five-and-twenty years they live as follows.
First they present themselves, as in youth, before the magistrates for service to the state wherever there is need for strength and sound sense combined.