To stand ground and in burning battle to engage,
So that a man may speak this word, even one of the Lycians well armed:
"Indeed, not unrenowned through Lycia do they rule lordly
even the "kings' [basileis] we have, and they eat fat sheep
and selected honeyed wine; yes, the force (of them)
how godly it is; indeed, among the front ranks of the Lycians they fight."
Dear friend, in indeed we two, this war having evaded,
Would evermore be likely ageless and deathless
To exist, neither would I in the front ranks fight
Nor would I despatch you into battle that brings glory;
As it is, regardless, dooms of death impend
Ten thousand, and no mortal may escape or evade them;
So let us go on; to another shall we boast or he to us.
(pages 107-108; interpellations in Havelock's original)
In this speech Sarpedon sets forth what I refer to as the benefits package of the warriors, who were regarded as aristocrats. For agreeing to military service, the warriors received the benefits in advance of actual service as well as after actual service if they lived through actual service. They received the benefits of public respect, food and drink furnished free, and property. In return, they were expected to serve in the front ranks in battle and thereby risk death. It required courage to serve in the front ranks in battle and thereby risk death. Not surprisingly, Aristotle discusses courage in detail in the NICOMACHEAN ETHICS.
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