5.12
Another, when her son was being tried for some offence, said to him, My child, either rid yourself of the charges, or rid yourself of life.
5.13
Another, as she accompanied a lame son on his way to the field of battle, said, At every step, my child, remember your valour. Cf. Moralia, 331 b; Stobaeus, Florilegium, vii. 29; Cicero, De oratore, ii. 61 (249).
5.14
Another, when her son came back to her from the field of battle wounded in the foot, and in great pain, said, If you remember your valour, my child, you will feel no pain, and be quite cheerful. Cf. Moralia, 331 b; Stobaeus, Florilegium, vii. 29; Cicero, De oratore, ii. 61 (249).
5.15
A Spartan, wounded in battle and unable to walk, was crawling on all fours. He was mortified at being so ridiculous; but his mother said to him, How much better to be joyful over your bravery rather than to be mortified at silly laughter.
5.16
Another, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him, saying, Either this or upon this.Referred to Gorgo as the author by Aristotle in his Aphorisms, as quoted by Stobaeus, Florilegium, vii. 31, but it is often spoken of as a regular Spartan custom. Cf., for example, the scholium on Thucydides, ii. 39. Ancient writers were not agreed whether the second half meant to fall upon the shield (dead or wounded) or to be brought home dead upon it. In support of the second (traditional) interpretation Cf. Moralia, 235 a, and Valerius Maximus, ii. 7, ext. 2.
