| #### CHAPTER 40 |

| #### #### Then the Ephors and Elders took counsel together, and laid this proposal before the king: "Since thou art so fond, as we see thee to be, of thy present wife, do what we now advise, and gainsay us not, lest the Spartans make some unwonted decree concerning thee. We ask thee not now to put away thy wife to whom thou art married - give her still the same love and honour as ever - but take thee another wife beside, who may bear thee children." #### When he heard this offer, Anaxandridas gave way - and henceforth he lived with two wives in two separate houses, quite against all Spartan custom. ####  |