5.18
Another, in answer to her son who said that the sword which he carried was short, Cf. Moralia, 191 e, supra. said, Add a step to it.
5.19
Another, hearing that her son had been slain fighting bravely in the line of battle, said, Yes, he was mine. But learning in regard to her other son that he had played the coward and saved his life, she said, No, he was not mine, Cf. Moralia, 241 a, supra.
5.20
Another, hearing that her son had been killed in battle on the spot where he had been placed, said, Lay him away, and let his brother take his place.
5.21
Another, engaged in conducting a solemn public procession, heard that her son was victorious on the field of battle, but that he was dying from the many wounds he had received. She did not remove the garland from her head, but with a proud air said to the women near her, How much more noble, my friends, to be victorious on the field of battle and meet death, than to win at the Olympic games and live! Cf. the somewhat similar story about Xenophon in Moralia, 118 f.
5.22
As a man was relating to his sister the noble death of her son, she said, As glad as I am for him, I am sorry for you that you were left behind when you might have gone in such brave company. Cf. Moralia, 241 b (6), supra.
5.23
A man sent to a Spartan woman to ask if she were inclined to look with favour upon seduction; she replied, When I was a child I learned to obey my father, and made that my practice. Then when I became a married woman, my husband took that place. So if the man’s proposal is honourable, let him lay the matter before my husband first.
5.24
A poor girl, being asked what dowry she brought to the man who married her, said, The family virtue.
5.25
A Spartan woman, being asked if she had made advances to her husband, said, No, but my husband has made them to me. Cf. Moralia, 140 c.
