Sayings of Spartan Women
When asked by a woman from Attica: ‘Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?’, she said: ‘Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men.’
When another woman heard that her son was behaving badly abroad, she wrote to him: ‘You've acquired a bad reputation. Either shake this off or cease to exist.’
Another woman, as she was sending her lame son up the battle-line, said: ‘Son, with each step you take bear courage in mind.’
Another woman, as she was handing her son his shield and giving him some encouragement, said: ‘Son, either with this or on this.’
When asked what dowry she was giving the man marrying her, a poor girl said: ‘My father's common sense.’
“A Spartan woman who was being sold and was asked what she knows how to do, answered, “To be faithful.”
Another woman who had been taken prisoner and was being asked much the same question, said: ‘To manage a household well.’