A LACONIC ANSWER

The Lacons lived in a part of Southern Greece called Laconia, and were known for their bravery and the simplicity of their life. One of their rules was always to speak briefly, using no more words than were needed. This was carried so far that to this day a very short answer is often called laconic, that is, such an answer as a Lacon might have given.

There was in Northern Greece a land called Macedonia, which was once ruled by a king named Philip.

Philip wanted to become master of all Greece. He therefore collected a great army and conquered all Greece, until only Laconia remained unconquered. Then he sent a letter to the brave Lacons saying: "If I invade your country, I will destroy your great city."

In a few days an answer was brought back to him. He found only one word written in it - that word was "If".

1. Where was Laconia?

2. Who lived in Laconia?

3. What was one of their rules of life?

4. What do we call a very brief answer?

5. Why do we call a very brief answer a laconic answer?

6. What land was there in Northern Greece?

7. Who was the king of Macedonia?

8. What did Philip want to become?

9. What did Philip do to become master of all Greece?

10. Could he conquer all Greece?

11. Whom did he send a letter?

12. What letter did he send to the Lacons?

13. Did he get an answer?

14. What answer did he get?