"In other states when a man proves a coward,

在其他地方一个人被称为懦夫
the only consequence is that he is called a coward.

那仅仅是个称呼
He goes to the same market as the brave man and sits beside him.

在集会中它可以和勇者坐在一起
He attends the same gymnasium if he chooses.

可以和勇者一起锻炼身体
But in Sparta

但是在斯巴达
everyone would be ashamed to have a coward with him

任何人都会以与懦夫为伍而耻辱
at the mess or to be matched with him in a wrestling bout.

在人群中或者与他对阵摔跤时
Often when sides are picked for a game of ball

或者在挑选球赛队员时
he is the odd man left out.

他会是坐在场外的那一个
In a chorus he is banished to the ignominious place.

在合唱中他会被排在最不起眼的角落里
In the streets he is bound to make way when he occupies a seat;

在街上他不得不走在路边为他人让路
he must give it up even to a younger man.

哪怕那是一个非常年轻的人