Every subject's duty is the King's; but every subject's soul is his own. Therefore, should every soldier in the wars do as every sick man in his bed, wash every mote out of his conscience; and dying so, death is to him advantage; or not dying, the time was blessedly lost wherein such preparation was gained; and in him that escapes, it were no sin to think that, making God so free an offer, He let him outlive the day to see His greatness and to teach others how they should prepare.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the dual loyalty that subjects have – to their monarch and to their own individual conscience. It suggests that just as a sick person diligently examines their conscience while lying in bed, soldiers in war should also cleanse their conscience. The quote suggests that if a soldier dies after having prepared their soul, death is advantageous because they have made such spiritual preparations. However, if they do not die, the time spent in preparation is still seen as well-spent. In fact, surviving allows them to witness God's greatness and guide others in their own preparations.

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