But if the cause be not good, the king himself hath a heavy reckoning to make, when all those legs and arms and heads, chopped off in battle, shall join together at the latter day and cry all 'We died at such a place;' some swearing, some crying for a surgeon, some upon their wives left poor behind them, some upon the debts they owe, some upon their children rawly left. I am afeard there are few die well that die in a battle; for how can they charitably dispose of anything, when blood is their argument? Now, if these men do not die well, it will be a black matter for the king that led them to it; whom to disobey were against all proportion of subjection.[Henry V, Act IV Scene I]

Summary

This quote from Shakespeare's Henry V highlights the moral consequences of going to war. It suggests that if the cause for war is not good and just, the king or leader who initiates it will have a heavy burden to bear. The quote depicts the aftermath of a battle, depicting the voices of the fallen soldiers metaphorically joining together and lamenting their deaths. The passage illustrates that dying in battle leaves soldiers unable to properly settle their affairs or showcase their charitable disposition. The quote further points out that if soldiers do not die well, it reflects poorly on the king who led them into battle, potentially questioning their authority and obedience.

Topics