"[136] Next to prowess in arms, it is regarded as the greatest proof of
manly excellence to be the father of many sons. Every year the king
sends rich gifts to the man who can show the largest number: for
they hold that number is strength. Their sons are carefully
instructed from their fifth to their twentieth year, in three things
alone,- to ride, to draw the bow, and to speak the truth. Until their
fifth year they are not allowed to come into the sight of their father,
but pass their lives with the women. This is done that, if the child
die young, the father may not be afflicted by its loss."
manly excellence to be the father of many sons. Every year the king
sends rich gifts to the man who can show the largest number: for
they hold that number is strength. Their sons are carefully
instructed from their fifth to their twentieth year, in three things
alone,- to ride, to draw the bow, and to speak the truth. Until their
fifth year they are not allowed to come into the sight of their father,
but pass their lives with the women. This is done that, if the child
die young, the father may not be afflicted by its loss."
