“ Without a sign his sword the brave man draws,And asks no omen but his country's cause. ”
Homer, Iliad (c. 850 BC). copy citation
| Author | Homer |
|---|---|
| Source | Iliad |
| Topic | bravery cause fighting |
| Date | c. 850 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Alexander Pope |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6130/6130-h/6130-h.htm |
Context
“By wandering birds that flit with every wind? Ye vagrants of the sky! your wings extend,
Or where the suns arise, or where descend; To right, to left, unheeded take your way, While I the dictates of high heaven obey. Without a sign his sword the brave man draws, And asks no omen but his country's cause. But why should'st thou suspect the war's success? None fears it more, as none promotes it less: Though all our chiefs amidst yon ships expire, Trust thy own cowardice to escape their fire. Troy and her sons may find a general grave,” source
Or where the suns arise, or where descend; To right, to left, unheeded take your way, While I the dictates of high heaven obey. Without a sign his sword the brave man draws, And asks no omen but his country's cause. But why should'st thou suspect the war's success? None fears it more, as none promotes it less: Though all our chiefs amidst yon ships expire, Trust thy own cowardice to escape their fire. Troy and her sons may find a general grave,” source
Meaning and analysis
