1. See also the tale of ‘the master’s eye’ on p. 334.

2. As agriculture can (see pp. 339–40); Xenophon is here correcting the impression he gave us on pp. 335–6 that the ability to wield authority requires only training.

3. There are several versions of the Tantalus story, but Xenophon seems to be following the most common version, in which Tantalus’ punishment for transgressing against the gods was to stand in a pool of water with fruit-laden branches above his head: whenever he stooped for a drink, the water receded and, whenever he stretched for some fruit, the branches withdrew (hence ‘tantalize’). In addition, a rock hung poised above him, threatening at any moment to crush him. Similarly, all tyrants must fear the stab in the back.