Executioner Quote by Thomas More
“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
Source Letter: Dialogue with an Executioner, 1535
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.
![“[On the legend that after being beheaded St. Denis walked six miles with his head in his hands:] It is only the first step that is difficult.” quote by Marie Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise du Deffand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f23/marie-anne-de-vichy-chamrond-m_difficult_on-the-legend-that-after-being-beheaded_651437.jpg)
