446 quotes found
"One of you is worth more than any number of them!"
"Skill and valour still count for something in war!"
"They are worth less than the dirt beneath a toenail!"
"Today is a good day to die! Today is a great day to meet the gods! So let us send the enemy screaming to meet their gods today!"
"Victory is near at hand! If all do their duty, it will be OUR victory! Bend your backs to your tasks, and all will be well!"
"We go now to our bloody business."
"And remember this above all: our Roman gods are watching! Make sure they are not ashamed!"
"Today the carrion birds feast! But they shall feast on the flesh of our enemies; not on good, Roman flesh!""
"I want to see blood! I want to BATHE in their blood! I want to bathe in their blood for a week! Now, KILL THEM ALL! (from "bloody" or "bloodthirsty" Roman generals)"
"And any man who comes through this fight mostly unharmed will be my sister! It'll be free frocks and jollies forever, you'll see! (from a "dangerously mad" Roman general)"
"I do not fight with a cool head today, I admit it. My eyes see only a red mist. I do not want them to run from battle, I want their heads on our pikes by evening! (from a Roman general with "angry")"
"They have been led here by mewling infants instead of leaders, now they will pay the price! (if the enemy general has poor skills)"
"How terrible it must be to face us; the sons of the wolf and the bear! Even now fear works in the bowels of our foes!(From Barbaric Generals, especially Germanic)"
"We are gathered here today to do battle. Regrettable isn't it? I didn't want to be here myself, but my grandmother told me that I better make a good show out of it. So here it goes. (from a Roman general with "tedious speaker" trait)"
"The enemy war god must have a sense of humour, I mean look at them (from a roman general when the enemy force is heavily damaged and vastly outnumbered)"
"My brave men! Victory shall be ours, by grace of my inspired leadership. But this means I can not risk myself in the front line. I must remain safe, guarded by you my loyal warriors! This is not cowardice, oh no. It is prudence, the handmaiden of victory!(from a roman general with "doubtful courage")"
"Men! We face adversity, a band of brothers, dedicated to the warrior's code of strength and victory. But we will never know defeat while we stand together! This day we add another triumph to the history of our people! We will be honoured as men!"
"I carry on my body many great scars, honourably earned in battle! I have fought many a foe in open combat! I come to fight today! Who stands with me?"
"The gods have surely smiled upon us! The omens are so numerous and so in our favour that I cannot describe them all and still have time for a battle today!"
"What we do today, we do as servants of the gods. Ask them for courage and strength! Honour them in your hearts, and they will aid us all! Look to your weapons, but also look to the heavens and raise a mighty shout in praise of the gods! Now, to battle!"
"Now you're probably wondering about this evening's entertainment. There's enough wine in camp to float a boat. It's all yours when they're dead. Oh yes, and the camp women will be suitably appreciative too."
"Now, you know I have a reputation for cunning in battle. I do not intend this to be a fair fight. I am going to fall upon them without warning! I will strike at their weakest points! This won't be a battle - it'll be a kick up the toga!"
"Let us offer prayers to the gods for victory. And then let us arm ourselves to the teeth, just in case the gods aren't listening"
"Battle is an easy thing, what is hard is the look on your woman's face when you are a weakling! But I do not see anyone here who needs to worry about that!"
"So harden your hearts, sharpen your swords and when the enemy is here, gut him like a fish."
"Is that the best they can do. Kill them all!"
"My grandmother could take on this lot, so we should be fine!"
"By tomorrow our sword arms will ache from over-use!"
"Brave Romans to a man!"
"There is no shame in fear, only letting fear rule you. Try not to look scared and you'll find bravery in your heart!"
"You may be wondering why I've called you here today. I was wondering myself. Oh yes!"
"The enemy may have the Moon People on their side, but we have lovely hats! Those hats will shield us from their fearsome gaze! (If your general has the “mad” trait)"
"Day has dawned. This will be bloody, come what may, but we are free men, and we do not fear the sight of a little blood. Now, sound the horns!"
"Free men, proud children of Greece! Prepare to fight or your honour!"
"A battle is never an easy thing, especially before breakfast. Never mind, time enough to feast when we have driven these dogs back to their kennel!"
"And remember this above all: the Gods are watching from Olympus, make sure they are not ashamed!"
"Bravery is in every warriors heart, bravery and more! Every warrior knows bravery, and those who run will not only answer to me but to the Gods!"
"Julii: Gods...I hate Gauls. My grandfather hated them too, even before they put out his eyes. Did you think I'd be out here on the frontier without good reason? Yes, Rome needs a strong frontier. No, Rome doesn't need unwashed barbarians at its gates! So, that's why I'm here, the leader of the Julii: to bring Roman order to stinking Gauls. Revenge? That'd be good too. This war against the Gauls won't last long, and when it's done, I've got plans. This is all about power, power in Rome. Going down that road means dealing with all my rivals: the Senate, the Greeks, those Carthaginian elephant-riders, the Scipii and the Brutii families too. After all, the man who controls Rome rules the world...and one day, I will be Emperor."
"Brutii: We Brutii are the only true Romans. We saved Rome, we drove out the kings, we made the Republic. The family deserve respect; respect, and obedience. We know what is best for Rome: new lands, living space, territories, slaves! I know what must be done. The Greeks look down their perfumed noses at all Romans, and they hate us. I'm going to give them a reason for hate...when I've crushed them! Roman steel, that's the answer; Roman steel in the Brutii fist. And the other great Roman families...the Scipii; trash! They have no respect for proper Roman ways, for us! The Julii prostitute themselves. As if the people matter! Bah! We Brutii must lead Rome."
"Scipii: My family, the House of Scipii, are beloved of the gods. A proud boast, but true all the same. In return we have served Rome, ruled well, led irs armies to glory; it has cost us dearly, despite the love of the gods. Sometimes the hatred of men is stronger. Our dead lie in many graves, put there by Carthaginian swords...and a few Greek ones. Even Roman blades have taken Scipii lives; that, we do not forget, or forgive. So, now our time has come. The spirits of the dead cry out for blood. I will lead our family in this undertaking. The gods will grant us vengeance. When Sicily is Roman, when Carthage is crushed, when the other Roman families are gone, when the world is mine...then I will stand before the gods and be worthy of their love. And worthy to rule Rome!"
"Greek factions: Greeks could rule the world. Alexander did. He took a Greek army to the far Indus. There was nothing left to conquer; the world was his. But Alexander is dead. His empire is gone. And so we live in evil days; the free men of Greece have turned on each other, instead of their proper enemies: those who envy all the Greeks have done. Alexander must weep, if the dead weep. I will weep in his place, but I will also hope. The world turns; what was may come again. The Fates still spin the web of men's lives. So now, perhaps the gods wish Greeks to be great again. Perhaps a new Alexander will take up the sword, bring order where there is chaos, remake the world of men into a better place...perhaps."
"Egypt: I have been in the service of Pharaoh for many, many years. It is my task to write down all that is decided. My father did this before me, and his father before him. We have faithfully recorded and seen much. Pharaoh is our lord and master; he is Horus reborn, and will be Osiris in the afterlife. All of Egypt lives and dies by his divine wish, and this is as it should be. We are his children; Pharaoh loves us all. We would conquer the world, so that all can know his wise rule. Even if Pharaoh did not ask this, we would do it. His enemies will be struck down; night and darkness will take them. The sands will be stained red. All this will come to pass, for Pharaoh has decreed it. So it is written. So it shall be."
"Barbarian factions: Before my grandfather's grandfather was born, this was our land. These are our good places; our gods live here, in the trees and the rivers. They watch over us. We are happy: we hunt, we love, we have families, homes, a good life. But sometimes we must fight! The Romans disturb the gods; they burn the forests; they take what is ours, wives, children, land! And the Romans talk of how they will 'help us and protect us'. They put us to sleep with golden promises: when we wake, all that we had is gone-stolen! They take our sons and turn them into little Romans. Gah! So we fight to keep what is ours, what must stay ours! There can be no peace, no peace with Romans, men of stone, and iron, and lies! There can be only war!"
"Carthage: Last night, the crying of the children kept me awake...and I had a terrible vision. I saw the fall of our city: bleached bones under a harsh sun; Carthage, gone! Why would Baal send such a vision? He is not cruel; he has watched over us. We have had victories aplenty in war. Our merchants sail to all corners of the world. Yet even now, I fear. I cannot help it. We are the envy of lesser people. They tell terrible lies about us. They do not understand, so they lie. But the Romans, they are the masters of falsehood. War will come, I am sure of it. So. I will have no more false visions...and I think the children will be quiet tonight."
"Eastern factions: The desert is ours. It is my home. Invaders come here, but they do not leave. They do not understand the desert; they do not understand how it gives life, and how it kills. So they die, and we grow stronger. The dead, now, the dead cannot pass on their newfound wisdom...so invaders keep coming, keep trying to take our lands and our wealth. But then, wealth flows through this land. And if our people have one thing, it is the love of wealth. It is sweeter than water, it is more powerful than the sword, for any sword can be turned aside with a gold coin. Gold will buy a thousand warriors...and a thousand warriors, why, they are the start of an empire!"
"I think the slain care little if they sleep or rise again."
"A people's voice is dangerous when charged with wrath."
"In war, truth is the first casualty."
"War, as the saying goes, is full of false alarms"
"We make war so that we may live in peace"
"The wise man speaks because he has something to say, the fool because he has to say something"
"The sinews of war are infinite money."
"Armed forces abroad are of little value unless there is prudent counsel at home."
"Silent enim leges inter arma (Laws are silent in times of war)."
"Courage may be taught as a child is taught to speak."
"Danger gleams like sunshine to a brave man's eyes."
"The god of war hates those who hesitate."
"A large army is always disorderly."
"War gives the right of the conquerors to impose any conditions they please upon the vanquished."
"Veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered)."
"In war important events result from trivial causes."
"Alea iacta est (The die is cast)."
"The true contempt of an invader is shown by deeds of valour in the field."
"When there is mutual fear, men think twice before they make aggression upon one another."
"They have an abundance of gold and silver, and these make war, like other things, go smoothly."
"Nobody is driven in to war by ignorance, and no one who thinks he will gain anything from it is deterred by fear."
"In peace, sons bury their fathers; in war, fathers bury their sons."
"Far better it is to have a stout heart always and suffer one's share of evils, than to be ever fearing what may happen."
"War is the only proper school of the surgeon."
"Even the bravest cannot fight beyond his strength."
"Ye gods, what dastards would our host command? Swept to the war, the lumber of the land."
"Noble and manly music invigorates the spirit, strengthens the wavering man, and incites him to great and worthy deeds."
"He serves me most, who serves his country best."
"To those that flee comes neither power nor glory."
"Men grow tired of sleep, love, singing and dancing sooner than war."
"The blade itself incites to violence."
"So ends the bloody business of the day."
"A glorious death is his who for his country falls."
"Adversity reveals the genius of a general; good fortune conceals it."
"A wise man in times of peace prepares for war."
"Bella detesta matribus (Wars are the dread of mothers)."
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori (It is a sweet and seemly thing to die for one's country)."
"Quae caret ora cruore nostro? (What coast knows not our blood?)"
"To a good general luck is important."
"The outcome corresponds less to expectations in war than in any other case whatsoever."
"Vae victis (Woe to the vanquished)."
"The gods favour the bold."
"Fas est et ab hoste doceri (It is right to learn, even from the enemy)."
"I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs."
"Men of Athens, I do not have much time for exhortation, but to the brave a few words are as good as many..."
"The rulers of the State are the only ones who should have the privilege of lying."
"Every care must be taken that our auxiliaries, being stronger than our citizens, may not grow too much for them and become savage beasts."
"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
"Ah, yes, mere infantry - poor beggars..."
"The valiant profit more their country than the finest, cleverest speakers."
"Victi vincimus (Conquered, we conquer)."
"A good general not only sees the way to victory, he also knows when victory is impossible."
"In war we must always leave room for strokes of fortune, and accidents that cannot be foreseen."
"The cruelty of war makes for peace."
"Pardon one offence and you encourage the commission of many."
"We should provide in peace what we need in war."
"Necessity knows no law except to conquer."
"It is a bad plan that cannot be altered."
"He is best secure from dangers who is on his guard even when he seems safe."
"If a man does not know to what port he is sailing, no wind is favourable."
"The fortunes of war are always doubtful."
"Constant exposure to dangers will breed contempt for them."
"Quick decisions are unsafe decisions."
"It is the brave man's part to live with glory, or with glory die."
"All warfare is based on deception."
"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious."
"Generally management of the many is the same as management of the few. It is a matter of organization."
"In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power."
"Even the bravest are frightened by sudden terrors."
"The proper arts of a general are judgement and prudence."
"A bad peace is even worse than war."
"The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise."
"Valour is the contempt of death and pain."
"Great empires are not maintained by timidity."
"They make a solitude and call it peace."
"War is not so much a matter of weapons as of money."
"A collision at sea can ruin your entire day."
"Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage."
"The strong did what they could, and the weak suffered what they must."
"Few men are born brave; many become so through training and force of discipline."
"A general is not easily overcome who can form a true judgement of his own and the enemy's forces."
"What can a soldier do who charges when out of breath?"
"Valour is superior to numbers."
"Qui desiderat pacem praeparet bellum (Let him who desires peace prepare for war)."
"An ambush, if discovered and promptly surrounded, will repay the intended mischief with interest."
"An adversary is more hurt by desertion than by slaughter."
"We die today not only for our friends and family but for our gods and for our forefathers and men before them so pray to them to make us victorious"
"Bella, horida bella (Wars, horrid wars!)"
"Let all be present and expect the palm, the prize of victory."
"When one side goes against the enemy with the gods' gift of stronger morale, then their adversaries, as a rule, cannot withstand them."
"Willing obedience always beats forced obedience."
"Brave men are a city's strongest tower of defence"
"Against danger it pays to be prepared"
"The Spartans do not ask how many but where they are"
"A dead enemy always smells good"
"War spares not the brave but the cowardly"
"It is the noblest and safest thing for a great army to be visibly animated by one spirit"
"Ah! The generals! They are numerous but not good for much!"
"If a man does not strike first, he will be the first struck"
"Come home with this shield or upon it"
"Varus, give me back my legions"
"Let them hate us as long as they fear us"
"To lead untrained people to war is to throw them away"
"Only the brave enjoy noble and glorious deaths"
"To an imperial city nothing is inconsistent which is expedient"
"The walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots"
"Alta sedent civilis vulnera dextrae (Deep are the wounds that civil strife inflicts)"
"It is pleasant, when the sea is high and the winds are dashing the waves about, to watch from the shores the struggles of another"
"To brave men, the prizes that war offers are liberty and fame"
"Hannibal knew how to gain a victory, but not how to use it"
"The man who runs away will fight again"
"A small country cannot contend with a great; the few cannot contend with the many; the weak cannot contend with the strong"
"Soldiers do not like being under the command of one who is not of noble birth"
"He conquers who endures"
"An alliance with the powerful is never to be trusted"
"In the moment of action remember the value of silence and order"
"War is sweet to those who have never experienced it"
"Extraordinary rains pretty generally fall after great battles"
"How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!"
"Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war"
"In war we must be speedy"
"A disorderly mob is no more an army than a heap of building materials is a house"
"Learn to obey before you command"
"Fortes fortuna adiuvat (Fortune favours the brave)"
"Who was the first that forged the deadly blade? Of rugged steel his savage soul was made"
"March divided and fight concentrated."
"Divide and conquer."
"After the war is over, make alliances"
"Flet victus, victor interiit (The conquered mourns, the conqueror is undone)"
"Timidi mater non flet (A coward's mother does not weep)"
"Arms keep peace"
"Fortis cadere, cedere non potest (A brave man may fall, but he cannot yield)"
"To blunder twice is not allowed in war"
"Victory loves prudence"
"Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment."
"It is said that the inferior seek to emulate the superior. Thus, if a general slackens only a little, those beneath him will be greatly negligent."
"The colour of the mountains is Buddha's body; the sound of running water is his great speech."
"Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory."
"The clever hawk hides its claws."
"A general of great merit should be said to be a man who has met with at least one great defeat."
"Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
"A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it."
"The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution."
"Even if one has learned all the sayings of the sages and saints, he should not insist on them obstinately."
"A little piece of gold may be highly valued, but if it gets in one's eye, the result will be darkness."
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death."
"The stake that sticks out gets hammered down."
"If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub."
"Dishonour is like a scar on a tree, which time, instead of effacing, only helps to enlarge."
"The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground."
"Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."
"The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men."
"If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be imperilled by a hundred battles. If you do not know the others but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one. If you do not know the enemy and do not know yourselves you will be in danger in every battle."
"The way of the warrior is death. This means choosing death whenever there is a choice between life and death. It means nothing else."
"To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful… It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap."
"A man must not live under the same sky as one who has injured his lord or father."
"One kind word can warm three winter months."
"The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man."
"When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce."
"Beginning is easy - Continuing is hard."
"Opportunities multiply as they are seized."
"One should not be envious of someone who has prospered by unjust deeds. Nor should he disdain someone who has fallen while adhering to the path of righteousness."
"You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger."
"It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus double agents are recruited and used."
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
"It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results."
"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely."
"To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
"Death refuses to wait for the space of a breath; life is more evanescent than a mayfly or a lightning flash."
"One should have insight into this world of dreams that passes in the twinkling of an eye."
"What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease."
"If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity."
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."
"If a man does not investigate into the matter of bushido daily, it will be difficult for him to die a brave and manly death."
"Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defence whose opponent does not know what to attack."
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
"He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks."
"The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."
"When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing."
"As for the decorum at the time of a campaign, one must be mindful that he is a samurai. A person who loves beautification where it is unnecessary is fit for punishment."
"To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape."
"He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces."
"He who is prudent, and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious."
"Encourage and listen well to the words of your subordinates. It is well known that gold lies hidden underground."
"You should not have a favourite weapon. To become over-familiar with one weapon is as much a fault as not knowing it sufficiently well."
"When delivering something like an important letter or other written materials, grasp it firmly in your hand as you go and do not release it once, but hand it over directly to the recipient."
"Dripping morning dew; mimics the blood from a blade; it does not wake me."
"People in this world look at things mistakenly, and think that what they do not understand must be the void. This is not the true void. It is bewilderment."
"By inconsistency and frivolity we stray from the Way and show ourselves to be beginners. In this we do much harm."
"Learning is to a man as the leaves and branches are to a tree, and it can be said that he should simply not be without it."
"The crane soars higher; its wings brush cherry blossom; my soul flies with it."
"Also by training you will be able to freely control your own body, conquer men with your body, and with sufficient training you will be able to beat ten men with your spirit. When you have reached this point, will it not mean that you are invincible?"
"Men with discrimination will be viewed as schemers; second, men with deep far-sightedness will be seen as cowards; and third, men with rough behaviour will be mistaken for real warriors."
"When all your judgements are based on your own wisdom, you tend towards selfishness and fail by straying from the right path."
"It is better not to become acquainted with men about whom you have formerly had doubts. No matter what you do, they will be people by whom you will be tripped up or taken in."
"In the ponds cool depths; the happy frog plays in spring; his life, a slow game."
"Heat haze of summer; obscures a man’s path ahead; an unclear future."
"The saying 'the arts aid the body' is for samurai of other regions. For samurai of the Nabeshima clan the arts bring ruin to the body."
"In the void is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, principle has existence, the way has existence, spirit is nothingness."
"The death of blossoms; is not something to grieve on; but the way of things."
"If there is a Way involving the spirit of not being defeated, to help oneself and gain honour, it is the Way of Strategy."
"The best use of the companion sword is in a confined space, or when you are engaged closely with an opponent. The long sword can be used effectively in all situations."
"Summer insects buzz; over new fragrant flowers; and fallen soldiers."
"Autumn trees shed leaves; skinning the tree one by one; until it is bare."
"As everything in this world is but a sham. Death is the only sincerity."
"One should not turn his back on reproof. In the words of the ancients: "Good medicine is bitter to the mouth, but has an effect on the disease. Faithful words hurt one's ears, but have value for one's conduct."
"I fall on my blade; crimson blossoms seed the earth; the spring buds drink deep."
"One should make his decisions within the space of seven breaths."
"The halberd is inferior to the spear on the battlefield. With the spear you can take the initiative, the halberd is defensive."
"When the enemy starts to collapse you must pursue him without the chance of letting go. If you fail to take advantage of your enemies collapse, they may recover."
"The arts of peace and the arts of war are like two wheels of a cart which, lacking one, will have difficulty in standing."
"The old carp is wise; he whispers his dark secrets; only the wind hears."
"My eyes grow heavy; as blackened storm clouds grow near; engulfing the sun."
"It is also said that: "The man who hunts a deer does not gaze at the mountains."
"I do not strive for my salvation with weapons but with patience and humility, in accordance with the doctrine of Jesus Christ."
"Cunning tanuki; he preys upon my humble soul; I have no defence."
"When one would make a surprise attack on the enemy, he should avoid the major roads and seek out the lesser ones. Then attack."
"Although I greet death; I do not fear its icy grip; my soul is at peace."
"From inside fortifications, the gun has no equal among weapons. It is the supreme weapon on the field before the ranks clash, but once swords are crossed the gun becomes useless."
"It is a wretched thing that the young men today are so contriving and so proud of their material possessions. Men with contriving hearts are lacking in duty. Lacking in duty, they will have no self-respect."
"Willows slowly stoop; preparing to meet the ground; as autumn arrives."
"The dark tiger stalks; my soul quivers in the air; just for a moment."
"When you cannot be deceived by men you will have realised the wisdom of strategy."
"A doll floats downstream; carrying with it prayers; spring has come at last."
"Fourthly, the way of the artisan. The way of the carpenter is to become proficient in the use of his tools, first to lay his plans with true measure and then perform his work according to plan. Thus he passes through life."
"In strategy your spiritual bearing must not be any different from normal. Both in fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm. Meet the situation without tenseness yet not recklessly, your spirit settled yet unbiased."
"Raindrops on the lake; a universe of ripples; centre touching all."
"When you decide to attack, keep calm and dash in quickly, forestalling the enemy. Or you can advance seemingly strongly but with a reserved spirit, forestalling him in advance."
"The people of the various provinces are strictly forbidden to have in their possession any swords, short swords, bows, spears, firearms, or other types of arms."
"When something out of the ordinary happens, it is ridiculous to say that it is a mystery or a portent of something to come….the mystery is created in (their) minds, and by waiting for disaster, it is from their very minds that it occurs."
"A samurai with no group and no horse is not a samurai at all."
"I grow old and hunch; as gnarled branches turn downwards; returning to roots."
"Sheltering cherry; my last breath stirs your blossom; my soul ascends. Meh."
"If you are slain in battle, you should be resolved to have your corpse facing the enemy."
"To die by the sword; no finer honour exists; winter’s grip awaits."
"A man whose profession is the use of arms should think and then act upon not only his fame, but also that of his descendants. He should not scandalise his name forever by holding his one and only life too dear."
"Fish break the surface; and a reflection shatters; momentarily."
"Autumn maple leaves; their colours, like the harvest; remind me of home."
"The spirit of defeating a man is the same for ten million men. The strategist makes small things into big things, like building a great Buddha from a one foot model."
"Many men feel that they should act according to the time or the moment they are facing, and thus are in confusion when something goes beyond this and some difficulty arises."
"Give my dream back raven! The moon you woke me to is misted over."
"When a flower is composed, it does not bloom all at once although the spring has come. Otherwise, yesterday's friend will become today's enemy, as yesterday's flower will become today's dust."
"Melting icicles; once proud soldiers, lose all form; returning to streams."
"The void is nothingness. By knowing things that exist, you can know that which does not exist. That is the void."
"A tree’s skeleton; exposed by autumn season; ready for new life."
"Blossom on the breeze; settles on the face of a corpse; beauty masking death."
"Everything grows cold; stillness like a frozen lake; there will be no thaw."
"As if with the nut and flower, the nut has become less than the flower...both those teaching and those learning are concerned with colouring and showing off their technique, trying to hasten the bloom of the flower."
"The person who practices an art is an artist, not a samurai, and one should have the intention of being called a samurai."
"There is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all. This person is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into a certain Way and never thinks of himself as having finished."
"A cold, low whistle; accompanies my last breath; wind in sympathy."
"Take care of yourself so you can serve your master."
"Sunset seduces; each step brings me no closer; the horizon flees."
"The gaze should be large and broad. This is the twofold gaze 'Perception and Sight'. Perception is strong and sight weak."
"This life is inconsequential; I am merely concerned about your facing the evil paths in the next one."
"It is said that one should not hesitate to correct himself when he has made a mistake. If he corrects himself without the least bit of delay, his mistakes will disappear."
"The new year begins; my eyes hunger for the sight; of my last sunrise."
"Second is the way of the merchant. The wine maker obtains his ingredients and puts them to use to make his living. The way of the merchant is always to live by taking profit."
"A flash of lightning; illuminates man’s journey; then darkness returns."
"Laying in the shade; dappled sunlight warms my face; a welcome farewell."
"Snowflakes in the air; a cold wind carries them on; to my sacred home."
"A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this, you will awaken from your dreams."
"When you take up a sword, you must feel intent on cutting up the enemy. As you cut an enemy you must not change your grip, and your hands must not cower."
"A samurai will use a toothpick even though he has not eaten. Inside the skin of a dog, outside the hide of a tiger."
"Be true to the thought of the moment and avoid distraction. Other than continuing to exert yourself, enter into nothing else, but go to the extent of living single thought by single thought."
"There is not a man who does not get senile by the time he reaches sixty. And when one thinks that he will not be senile, he is already so."
"A soul ship finds me; crystal waters call my name; I am dragged below."
"An affected laugh shows lack of self-respect in a man and lewdness in a woman."
"Twice I awaken; once at the first burst of spring; once in wintertime."
"The warmth of summer; an arrow floats on the breeze; bringing with it death."
"Up into the sky; I kiss the falling snowflakes; as they pass me by."
"My acts mark the land; time makes ghosts of every deed; as snow hides footprints."
"To cut and slash are two different things. Cutting, whatever form of cutting it is, is decisive, with a resolute spirit. Slashing is nothing more than touching the enemy."
"If one thinks only of winning, a sordid victory will be worse than a defeat. For the most part, it becomes a squalid defeat."
"In the Wu Tzu it says: "He who would save his life shall lose it, and he who would give up his life shall save it.""
"It is carelessness to go about with one's hands inside the slits in the sides of his hakama."
"Through the autumn fields; his steed, swift as typhoon winds; the arrow, fleeter."
"If the enemy thinks of the mountains, attack like the sea; and if he thinks of the sea, attack like the mountains."
"The depths of winter; the wolf stalks his prey by night; red blood on white snow."
"With your spirit calm, attack with a feeling of constantly crushing the enemy, from first to last. The spirit is to win in the depths of the enemy."
"One must never be perfidious to his master. In the Lun Yu it says: "One should act according to the way even in times of haste. One should act according to the way even in times of danger. It says further: 'When one is serving his master, he should exert himself.""
"My wake leaves little; but as ripples reach the sea; they become great waves."
"The basic meaning of etiquette is to be quick at both the beginning and end and tranquil in the middle."
"Crossing the river; takes me from the familiar; to new adventures."
"Dreaded shikome! The winter of life revealed; my soul is now free."
"By bringing shame to a person, how could one expect to make him a better man?"
"Storm clouds gather over Europe, mistrust and rivalries between realms threaten to break and flood the world in a tide of Total War."
"Kill them all, God will recognise his own."
"Nothing is to be feared but fear."
"In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention."
"The fields have eyes, and the woods have ears."
"Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World."
"War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it."
"Fortune favours the audacious."
"The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war."
"If you do not leave this pasturage, Saladin will come and attack you here. And if you retreat from this attack the shame and reproach will be very great."
"The strength of God will enable us, a small but faithful band, to overcome the multitude of the faithless."
"It is better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep."
"Do you know, my son, with what little understanding the world is ruled?"
"A safe stronghold our God is still. A trusty shield and weapon."
"Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding."
"Nothing good ever comes of violence."
"War is the greatest plague that can affect humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it."
"Since love and fear can hardly coexist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved."
"The princes who have done great things are the ones who have taken little account of their promises."
"So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil."
"Men should either be treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injures ** for heavy ones they cannot."
"The prince must be a fox... to recognize the traps and a lion to frighten the wolves."
"The sinews of war are not gold, but good soldiers."
"Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised."
"The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people."
"No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution."
"A prince should therefore have no other aim or thought... but war and its organisation and discipline."
"Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself."
"Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone."
"Good order makes men bold, and confusion, cowards."
"He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command."
"One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces."
"It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles."
"To ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders."
"Strike up the drum and march courageously."
"Better to reign in hell than serve in heav'n."
"For what can war, but endless war, still breed?"
"Will no one revenge me of the injuries I have sustained from one turbulent priest?"
"Luck is the residue of design."
"Peace hath her victories, no less renowned than War."
"What does not destroy me, makes me strong."
"If some among them are innocent, it is expedient that they should be assayed like gold in the furnace and purged by proper judicial examination."
"He doth nothing but talk of his horse."
"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players."
"I will kill thee a hundred and fifty ways."
"Here I and sorrows sit; Here is my throne, bid kings come bow to it."
"Go, bid the soldiers shoot."
"Come the three corners of the world in arms, and we shall shock them."
"A man can die but once."
"Give me another horse: bind up my wounds."
"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"
"The better part of valour is discretion."
"To whom God will, there be the victory."
"A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings home full numbers."
"We are ready to try our fortunes To the last man."
"And many strokes, though with a little axe, hew down and fell the hardest-timbered oak."
"Upon his royal face there is no note how dread an army hath enrounded him;"
"There's daggers in men's smiles."
"It is better to be on hand with ten men than absent with ten thousand."
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."
"Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."
"Inflict not on an enemy every injury in your power, for he may afterwards become your friend."
"No one conquers who doesn't fight."
"An emperor is subject to no one but God and justice."
"Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please."
"Let the boy win his spurs."
"We who are the rest of the people raised our heart and eyes to heaven crying for God to have compassion upon us, and to turn away from us the power of the French."
"There are some defeats more triumphant than victories."
"Tis so much to be a king, that he only is so by being so."
"The souls of emperors and cobblers are cast in the same mould. ...The same reason that makes us wrangle with a neighbour causes a war betwixt princes."
"He who knows not how to dissimulate, can not reign."
"So many great nobles, things, administrations, so many high chieftains, so many brave nations, so many proud princes, and power so splendid; In a moment, a twinkling, all utterly ended."
"It is more honourable to be raised to a throne than to be born to one. Fortune bestows the one, merit obtains the other."
"He who defends everything defends nothing."
"I am the King of Rome, and above grammar."
"When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts."
"Disasters teach us humility."
"I have loved justice and hated inequity; and therefore I die in exile."
"It is easy to be brave behind a castle wall."
"In a fight, anger is as good as courage."
"Undertake this journey for the remission of your sins, with the assurance of the imperishable glory of the Kingdom of Heaven!"
"To carry on war, three things are necessary: money, money, and yet more money."
"Fight to the last gasp."
"I'll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hacked."
"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!"
"Let the world tremble as it senses all you are about to accomplish."
"Having done everything practical to make ready for so long a voyage, we prepared our souls to meet death, which is always on a sailor's horizon."
"I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse."
"Had I been present at the creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe."
"Every man should arm himself as quickly as he could, and come to the King."
"Let those who once fought against brothers and relatives now rightfully fight against barbarians."
"On both sides the troops were commanded by royal princes and they massacred each other mercilessly."
"The fighting was fierce and lasted for the greater part of a day; blood ran in rivers."
"Many of the common people in the armies were desolate, fearing future poverty; and so they sold their bows and the cowards returned to their own homes."
"Let anyone who has zeal for God come with me! Let us fight for our brothers! Let Heaven's will be done!"
"God has aroused the spirit of kings and princes to root up from the earth the enemies of the Christian name."
"Whoever devotedly undertakes and performs this most holy journey...shall have the enjoyment of eternal reward from the repayer of all men."
"Surrender before you all die by the sword, for I do not wish you to perish."
"We shall not surrender."
"Come on soldiers! Guardians and agents of the supreme law! Here is a sacrifice of dogs ready for your swords!"
"At the first sound of the bugle, everyone should make haste to put on arms and armour."
"Put an end to so great an evil and arrive at a peace settlement whatever the outcome, and whatever the conditions."
"Take up the weapons of the glorious army for the salvation of many thousands."
"If they wish to fight today, let them come like men."
"They assembled from all sides, one after another, with arms and horses and all the panoply of war..."
"Alas! How many noble and valiant knights we lost."
"There is now no hope of escaping. If you fight you will conquer, but if you flee you will fall."
"When he caught sight of their army, he was terrified and groaned in his mind."
"The Frankish duke wept bitterly to see his soldiers massacred."
"He withdrew, himself wounded, and was compelled to return home inglorious, weeping ** he who had once vainly hoped for the glory of a triumph."
"Therefore gird yourselves manfully and take up joyful arms for the name of Christ."
"Set out on pilgrimage and triumph gloriously over the infidels in the East."