Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

soul of her army. You may say that a king of Lakedaemon never retreats. But valor must be tempered with wisdom or it is merely recklessness.

“Consider what you

“Let neither of us pity the other,” my cousin spoke in parting. “We are where we must be, and we will do what we must.”

“Habit is a mighty ally, my young friend. The habit of fear and anger, or the habit of self-composure and courage.”

philadelphia, love of one’s comrades-in-arms.