Their lives, from the 7th year till the day of battle, were centred around one purpose: being a Spartan warrior. From this they never wavered, never compromised, never quivered. Each day was spent pacing themselves, being readied for the day when they would go to battle.
Pace, and brace.
Outnumbered they were, but not hopeless. Implementing the right strategy was the first rule, and they stuck to it. Even when the Persians were right upon them, they doggedly stuck to the gameplan; courageous, as one unit. Each man protected the other with his shield, there was to be not a chink in the impenetratable collective armour.
Pace, and brace.
"Hold your ground!!" the general urged. So they did. While the Persians tripped on one another, the Spartans stood, their feet firmly on the ground, holding up steadfast against the thronging army.
Pace, and brace.
"PUSH!!!" the Spartan leader shouted. With one mighty "Whoosh!" they pushed in unison, literally lifting Persian army off their feet. The Spartan army - mighty Spartans, brave Spartans - set upon them easily; claiming victory after victory.
Pace, and brace.
The 300 Spartans taught me a good lesson. And the lesson was that fighting well wasn't about fighting all the time, not about giving your all every minute you're on the battlefield. One needs to adequately prepare oneself, then set the pace, and thereafter brace for the challenge.
Mighty Spartans, brave Spartans. Thank you.
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