On his mounting the scaffold to be beheaded: 'I pray you…
“On his mounting the scaffold to be beheaded: 'I pray you, Master Lieutenant, see me safely up, and for my coming down, let me shift for myself.' To the executioner: 'Pick up thy spirits, Man, and be not afraid to do thyne office; my neck is very short; take heed, therefore thou strike not awry, for saving of thyne honesty.'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Facing death, he urges the executioner to act with calm and honesty, emphasizing duty over fear.
In simple terms: Be brave and honest even when dying.
Key Takeaway
Face fear with integrity.
Themes
courage
honesty
duty
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military service
- judicial proceedings
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
mortality
ethics
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain composure under extreme pressure?
- What role does honesty play in life‑or‑death decisions?
A Different Perspective
Such stoic calm may be unrealistic for many.