5.17
Another, as her son was going forth to war, said, as she gave the shield into his hands, This shield your father kept always safe for you; do you, therefore, keep it safe, or cease to live.
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.
