Life every man holds dear; but the dear man Holds honour far more precious dear than life.
 William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida (1609). copy citation

add
Author William Shakespeare
Source Troilus and Cressida
Topic honour life
Date 1609
Language English
Reference
Note Written between 1600 and 1602
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1790/pg1790-images.html

Context

“It is as lawful, For we would give much, to use violent thefts And rob in the behalf of charity. CASSANDRA. It is the purpose that makes strong the vow; But vows to every purpose must not hold. Unarm, sweet Hector. HECTOR. Hold you still, I say. Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate. Life every man holds dear; but the dear man Holds honour far more precious dear than life. Enter TROILUS How now, young man! Mean'st thou to fight to-day? ANDROMACHE. Cassandra, call my father to persuade. Exit CASSANDRA HECTOR. No, faith, young Troilus; doff thy harness, youth; I am to-day i' th' vein of chivalry.” source