Henry V-- Act IV scene iii

by William Shakespeare


This is an incredible example of Shakespeare's inspiring ability as a writer. Henry V was a hero-king who was immortalized by his unbelievable victory over the French at Agincourt, despite a substantial numerical disadvantage. In the oratory, Henry is inspiring his troops before the lop-sided battle, and downplaying Westmoreland's concern that they could use more men. This selection instilled English patriotism during Elizabeth's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588, and during Churchill's leadership during the Battle of Britain in World War II. It stands as a testament to the power of rhetoric, and although criticized by some as glorification of war, it represents the courageous leadership that motivates and encourages men to do their duty with honor. 
King. If we are marked to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honor.
God's will! I pray thee wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires;
But if it be a sin to covet honor,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honor
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best I hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for his convoy put into his purse.
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is called the Feast of Crispain.
He that outlives this day, and comes home safe,
Will stand a-tiptoe when this day is named
And rouse him at the name of Crispain.
He that shall see this day, and live old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors
And say, 'To-morrow is Saint Crispain.'
Then he will strip his sleeve and show his scars.
[And say, 'These wounds I had on Crispain's day.']
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages, 
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words--
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salibury and Gloucester--
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispain shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered --
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds blood with me
Shall be my brother. Be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now abed 
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.



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