32. A man wishing to undergo a warlike training
daily exercises himself with his weapons. As though ready for
action he rehearses his part in the fight and stands forth just as if
the enemy were in position before him. Or, with a view to
acquiring skill and strength in throwing the javelin, he either puts
his own arms to the proof, or avoids the blows of his foes, and escapes
them by his watchful attention. The man that desires to navigate
a ship on the sea, or to row, tries first on a river. They who
wish to acquire an agreeable style of singing and a beautiful voice
begin by bringing out their voice gradually by singing. And they
who seek to win the crown of victory by strength of body and in a
regular wrestling match, harden their limbs by daily practice in the
wrestling school, foster their endurance, and accustom themselves to
hard work.