William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Harry,England and Saint George
HENRY : 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 :
5 But when the blast of war blows in our ears,Then imitate the astion of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews,sumnon up the blood.Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspest;
.....
10 ... On,on,you noblest English.
Whose blood is set from father of war-proof! Father that,like so many Alexanders,Have in these parts from morn till even fought And sheathed their swords for lack of argument:
15 Dishonour not your mother; now attest That 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 yeomen Whise limbs were made in England,show us here
20 The mettle of your pasture,let us swear That 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 eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
25 Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit,and uponthis charge cry'God for Harry,England,and saint George!'
From Henry V , III , Scene I