Nec parum grave Spartani cuiusdam dictum, si quidem nobilitate et sanctitate praestans, sed in petitione magistratus victus, maximae sibi laetitiae esse praedicavit quod aliquos patria sua se meliores viros haberet.
Noteworthy is the statement made by a Spartan long ago. He was distinguished not only by his noble birth and virtuous life, but also by his defeat in an election for public office. He declared that he was glad that there were more deserving people than himself in his country.