1They choose kings for their noble birth, generals for their valour. 1Nor do the kings have unlimited or arbitrary power, and the generals lead by example rather than by command, winning admiration if they are energetic, if they are conspicuous, if they act in front of the line. 2But to execute, to put in chains, even to flog, is permitted to no one but the priests, and not as a punishment or at the general's order, but as if at the command of the god whom they believe to be present with those who make war. 3And they carry into battle certain images and emblems taken down from the sacred groves; 3and what is the chief incitement to courage, it is not chance or a random gathering that forms a squadron or a wedge, but families and kinships; 3and close at hand are their dear ones, whence the wailing of women can be heard, whence the crying of infants.
4These are to each man the most sacred witnesses, these the greatest praisers: to their mothers, to their wives they bring their wounds; 4nor do the women shrink from counting and examining the blows, and they carry food and encouragement to the fighters.