69.42
Another, when a lyre was brought in at an evening party, said, It is not Spartan to indulge in nonsense. Cf. Moralia, 220 A (3). For the expression of similar sentiments see Plutarch’s Life of Themistocles, chap. ii. (112 C); Cicero, Tusculan Disputations, i. 2 (4).
69.43
A Spartan, being asked if the road into Sparta were safe, said, That depends on what kind of a mon ye are; for the lions gang about where they wull, but the hares we hunt over that land.
69.44
In a clinch one wrestler, who had the other by the neck, overpowered him with little effort, and pulled him to the ground. Since the one who was down was at a disadvantage in using his body, he bit the arm that held him. His opponent said, Spartan, you bite like a woman. No, indeed, said he, but like a lion. The same story is told of Alcibiades in Moralia, 186 D (1), and in Plutarch’s Life of Alcibiades, chap. i. (192 C).
69.45
A lame man was going forth to war, and some persons followed after him laughing. He turned around and said, You vile noddles! A man does not need to run away when he fights the enemy, but to stay where he is and hold his ground. Cf. Moralia, 210 F (34), and 217 C; Valerius Maximus, iii. 7, ext. 8.