Lacaenarum Apophthegmata

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

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.)

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.

A poor girl, being asked what dowry she brought to the man who married her, said, The family virtue.

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.)

A girl had secret relations with a man, and, after bringing on an abortion, she bore up so bravely, not uttering a single sound, that her delivery took place without the knowledge of her father and others who were near. For the confronting of her indecorum with decorum gained the victory over the poignant distress of her pains.

A Spartan woman who was being sold as a slave, when asked what she knew how to do, said, To be faithful.

Another, taken captive, and asked a similar question, said, To manage a house well.

Another, asked by a man if she would be good if he bought her, said, Yes, and if you do not buy me.[*](Cf.Moralia, 234 c (39), supra.)

Another who was being sold as a slave, when the crier inquired of her what she knew how to do, said, To be free. And when the purchaser ordered her to do something not fitting for a free woman, she said, You will be sorry that your meanness has cost you such a possession, and committed suicide.[*](Cf.Moralia, 234 b (37 and 38), supra.)