Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners/Part I/XVI
XVI.SPARTAN BREVITY.
85.Once upon a time the Samians, having been expelled by Polycrates, came to Sparta. Having been brought before the Ephors, they spoke at great length, asking for help. But these replied, ‘We have forgotten your first words, and do not understand your last.’ Being subsequently introduced again, bringing a sack, they said nothing else save these words: ‘The sack lacks corn.' To these words the Spartans replied, ‘Now we understand: we shall afford you assistance.’