Once More Unto The Breach Dear Friends Quote
"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;" is a famous quote from William Shakespeare's play, Henry V. The quote is spoken by King Henry V as he rallies his troops to attack the French city of Harfleur during the Hundred Years' War. The phrase has become a popular motivational quote, often used to encourage people to face their challenges with determination and courage.
Origins of the Quote
The quote is from Act III, Scene I of Henry V. In the scene, King Henry V is leading his army in a siege of the French city of Harfleur. The city is heavily fortified, and the English have already suffered significant losses. The king is trying to rally his troops for one final assault on the city, urging them to give their all in the face of the enemy. The full quote reads:
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:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect;
Let pry through the portage of the head
Like the brass cannon; let the brow o'erwhelm it
As fearfully as doth a galled rock
O'erhang and jutty his confounded base,
Swill'd with the wild and wasteful ocean.
Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide,
Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit
To his full height. On, on, you noblest English.
Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof!
Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
Have in these parts from morn till even fought,
And sheathed their swords for lack of argument:
Dishonour not your mothers; 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 yeoman,
Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
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 your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'
Meaning of the Quote
The quote is a call to action, urging the soldiers to face their fears and charge into battle once more. It is a reminder that sometimes, in order to achieve our goals, we must be willing to face our challenges head-on and push through our fears and doubts. The imagery used in the quote is powerful, with the king comparing his soldiers to tigers and the enemy to a "galled rock" being battered by the ocean. The quote also emphasizes the importance of honor and duty, urging the soldiers to fight for their country and their families.
Use of the Quote Today
The quote has become a popular motivational phrase, often used to encourage people to face their challenges with determination and courage. It has been used in speeches, movies, and television shows, and has inspired countless people to push through their fears and pursue their goals. The phrase has also been adapted into various forms, such as "once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more into the fray" or "once more into the breach, dear friends, once more unto the breach."
Conclusion
The quote "once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more" is a powerful reminder of the importance of facing our challenges with determination and courage. It has become a popular motivational phrase, inspiring countless people to push through their fears and pursue their goals. The quote's use of powerful imagery and its emphasis on honor and duty make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with people today.
