“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 manAs 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 up the blood,Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;Then lend the eye a terrible aspect;Let pry through the portage of the headLike the brass cannon; let the brow o'erwhelm itAs fearfully as doth a galled rockO'erhang and jutty his confounded base,Swill'd with the wild and wasteful ocean.Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide,Hold hard the breath and bend up every spiritTo his full height. On, on, you noblest English.Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof!Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,Have in these parts from morn till even foughtAnd sheathed their swords for lack of argument:Dishonour not your mothers; now attestThat those whom you call'd fathers did beget you.Be copy now to men of grosser blood,And teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman,Whose limbs were made in England, show us hereThe mettle of your pasture; let us swearThat you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;For there is none of you so mean and base,That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:Follow your spirit, and upon this chargeCry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!”
Analysis
In this powerful and inspiring speech from William Shakespeare's play "Henry V," King Henry urges his soldiers to fight bravely and valiantly in battle. The language is filled with imagery and metaphors that evoke a sense of honor, duty, and courage. The quote emphasizes the contrast between the peaceful, modest nature of men and the fierce, warrior-like attitude required in times of war. The use of vivid descriptions, such as comparing soldiers to tigers and greyhounds, creates a sense of excitement and readiness for battle. King Henry's call to arms is meant to motivate his troops to emulate the bravery and valor of their ancestors and to fight for their country with pride and determination. The phrase "God for Harry, England, and Saint George!" serves as a rallying cry, uniting the soldiers under a common cause and invoking a sense of patriotism and loyalty.
Modern Relevance of Shakespeare's "Once more unto the breach" speech
Shakespeare's famous "Once more unto the breach" speech from Henry V still resonates today as a call to action in times of crisis or conflict. The speech emphasizes the importance of courage, determination, and unity in the face of adversity, reminding us that sometimes we must set aside our peaceful nature and embrace our inner strength to overcome challenges. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of leadership and perseverance in difficult times.
Example of Usage:
In this famous speech from Shakespeare's play "Henry V", King Henry urges his soldiers to show their bravery and fight for their country with passion and determination. He invokes images of war, courage, and honor to motivate his troops to give their all in battle.
Reflection Questions
This powerful excerpt from Shakespeare's "Henry V" offers a compelling call to action in times of conflict and challenge. Reflecting on these words can prompt us to consider our own responses to adversity and how we rise to meet difficult situations. Here are some questions to guide your contemplation:
How do you interpret the idea of "imitating the action of the tiger" in times of adversity? What does it mean to you to "disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage"?
In what ways do you demonstrate "modest stillness and humility" in your daily life? How do these qualities contrast with the fierceness and determination urged in the passage?
Reflect on the notion of honoring one's lineage and ancestors in times of challenge. How do you draw upon the strength and characteristics of your predecessors to face difficult circumstances?
Consider the concept of "noble lustre" and the idea that everyone has inherent greatness within them. How can you tap into your own potential and demonstrate your worth in times of struggle?
Lastly, how does the call to cry "God for Harry, England, and Saint George" resonate with you on a personal level? What values or symbols do you invoke for strength and inspiration during tough times?
Similar quotes
“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 up the blood, disguise fair nature with hard-favor'd rage.”
“I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,Straining upon the start. The game's afoot;Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George!”
“At sixteen, you still think you can escape from your father. You aren't listening to his voice speaking through your mouth, you don't see how your gestures already mirror his; you don't see him in the way you hold your body, in the way you sign your name. You don't hear his whisper in your blood.”
“The music glides between the pores of your skin to bubble through your veins in place of blood, and you can't help but clutch the mic with both trembling hands and let the song flow out of you like blood from a wound. In those moments, when the music has replaced everything and even awareness of your own body has faded, you can't breathe, can't do anything but let the song own you, let the performance rocket through you. There's no people, no problems in your life, no buzz of alcohol in your blood or pain in your heart.”
“Madeline (said the Countess in a solemn voice), in my concern for your father, I spoke unguardedly; and I already repent having done so from the situation I see you in: but, as some atonement for doing so, I will take this opportunity of cautioning you against all imprudent curiosity; let no incentive from it ever tempt you to seek an explanation of former occurrences; be assured your happiness depends entirely on your ignorance of them: was the dark volume of your father's fate ever opened to your view, peace would for ever forsake your breast; for its characters are marked by horror, and stained with blood.”