Trial and acquittal of Sphodrias

For this was the way in which Agesilaüs always spoke about the trial, in his desire to gratify his son, so that Cleonymus was at once aware of the zealous efforts of Archidamus in his behalf, and the friends of Sphodrias had courage at last to come to his help.

but finally, when the trial was near at hand, he plucked up courage to tell him that Cleonymus had begged him to intercede for his father.

Now Sphodrias had a son, Cleonymus, who was still a boy and fair to look upon, and of whom Archidamus, the son of King Agesilaüs, was enamoured.

But the ephors recalled Sphodrias and brought capital charges against him.

And the partisans of Sphodrias, since they did not see Archidamus coming to visit Cleonymus, whereas formerly he had come often, were in the utmost anxiety, fearing that he had been rebuked by Agesilaus.

It is within your power, my son, to save your father by begging Archidamus to make Agesilaus favourable to me at my trial.