that's their form of diplomatic relations,

这是他们的外交形式
the man who appoints the proxenos, that's the Greek word,

国王派遣这个代表[国王为希腊词]
the kings make that appointment.

国王派遣这个代表
When the Spartans have to consult a Delphic Oracle,

当他们需要一个神使的时候
men called the Pythioi,

这个人称作Pythioi
are the ones who are sent to make the inquiry

作为被派遣去质询
and bring back the answer,

并带回回复的人
the kings select them. Well, these are, of course,

国王们通过盛大而神圣的仪式
the enormously honorific activities.

对他们进行挑选
So the kings are in a position to hand out very important honors

因此国王拥有授予荣耀的重要使命
to their fellow Spartans,

对于斯巴达人民来说
and that I think is another

我认为这是他们另一个