Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.
 William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1623). copy citation

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Author William Shakespeare
Source Julius Caesar
Topic death cowardice bravery
Date 1623
Language English
Reference The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act II, Scene 2
Note Written in 1599 Julius Caesar line
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1120/pg1120-images.html

Context

“Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar. CALPURNIA. When beggars die, there are no comets seen;
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. CAESAR. Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come. Re-enter Servant.” source

Meaning and analysis

Kwize Master An oracle predicted Julius Caesar's imminent death. Despite the frightening nature of this news, Julius Caesar is not superstitious and considers that death can happen at any time. He thus explains that cowards who hide in fear of confronting death die many times, while the brave man who knows how to face his fate dies only once.
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