Stand! the ground’s your own, my braves!
Will ye give it up to slaves?
Will ye look for greener graves?
Hope ye mercy still?
What ’s the mercy despots feel?
Hear it in that battle-peal!
Read it on yon bristling steel!
Ask it,—ye who will.
Fear ye foes who kill for hire?
Will ye to your homes retire?
Look...
[1415]
From “King Henry V.,” Act III. Sc. 1.
ONCE more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace, there ’s nothing so becomes a man,
As modest stillness, and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon...
Bless God, he went as soldiers,
His musket on his breast —
Grant God, he charge the bravest
Of all the martial blest!
Please God, might I behold him
In epauletted white —
I should not fear the foe then —
I should not fear the fight!
