My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear.

What it means

This is the soldier's own account of what he gives: rough roads underfoot and danger in front. It names hardship plainly and claims it with pride. Carry your load and face the point.

The source

"My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear." This Amharic proverb is recorded in Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 49. Translated from the original Amharic by Spartan Surfers.

"J'expose mon pied aux cailloux et ma poitrine à la lance"

Original Amharic, Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 49. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear." mean?

This is the soldier's own account of what he gives: rough roads underfoot and danger in front. It names hardship plainly and claims it with pride. Carry your load and face the point.

Who said "My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear."?

Amharic proverb. Source: Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 49.

What is the original Amharic?

J'expose mon pied aux cailloux et ma poitrine à la lance. Translated from the original Amharic by Spartan Surfers.

Is "My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"My feet to the stones, my chest to the spear." (Amharic proverb, Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 49, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/my-feet-to-the-stones-my-chest-to