Sword too short? Take one step closer.

The source

"Sword too short? Take one step closer." Spartan mother said it in Plutarch, Sayings of Spartan Women, Anonymous 18 (241f). Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"ἄλλη πρὸς τὸν υἱὸν λέγοντα μικρὸν ἔχειν τὸ ξίφος εἶπε καὶ βῆμα πρόσθες."

Original Greek, Plutarch, Sayings of Spartan Women, Anonymous 18 (241f). Greek: Bernardakis 1889 (Teubner) via Perseus.

Who said it

The Spartans (8th–4th century BC). Laconic sayings from Lycurgus, Leonidas, Dienekes and the mothers of Sparta, recorded by Herodotus and Plutarch.

Questions

Who said "Sword too short? Take one step closer."?

Spartan mother (8th–4th century BC). Source: Plutarch, Sayings of Spartan Women, Anonymous 18 (241f).

What is the original Greek?

ἄλλη πρὸς τὸν υἱὸν λέγοντα μικρὸν ἔχειν τὸ ξίφος εἶπε καὶ βῆμα πρόσθες. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Sword too short? Take one step closer." on a shirt?

Yes. It is printed on our tees, from $46, with free US shipping.