1They transact no business, however, public or private, unless armed. 1But it is not their custom for anyone to take up arms before the state has approved him as likely to prove capable. 1Then in the council itself either one of the chiefs or his father or his relatives equip the young man with a shield and a framea: this is their toga, this the first honour of youth; 1before this they are seen as part of a household, thereafter of the state. 2Outstanding nobility or great services by their fathers win the rank of chief even for mere youths: they are attached to the others, who are stronger and long since proven, and there is no shame in being seen among the companions.
3Indeed, the retinue itself has grades, at the judgement of the man they follow; 3and there is great rivalry both among the companions, as to who shall have the first place with his chief, and among the chiefs, as to who shall have the most numerous and the keenest companions. 4This is rank, this is strength: to be always surrounded by a large band of chosen young men is a distinction in peace, a protection in war. 4And not only in his own people but among neighbouring states too a man has this name and this glory, if his retinue stands out in number and valour; 4for such men are sought out by embassies and honoured with gifts, and often by their very reputation they bring wars to an end.