Communication Quote by Willard Sterne Randall
““But Henry was not prepared to submit. In a speech supporting his resolutions, he supposedly exclaimed, "Tarquin and Caesar had each his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third..." Before he could finish the phrase, red-robed Speaker of the House John Robinson cried, "Treason! Treason," as other burgesses took up the cry. But Henry stared the Speaker in the eye and finished his sentence: "...may profit by their example! If this be treason, make the most of it!””
About This Quote
Source Historical Novel: Henry VII, Willard Sterne Randall, 2005
Defying accusations of treason, Henry asserts that profit from bold actions is justified, even if labeled treasonous.
In simple terms: Bold actions may be called treason, but they can be profitable.
Key Takeaway
Embrace daring choices despite criticism.
Themes
politics
courage
rebellion
Mood
defiant
energetic
Type
historical
motivational
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- business strategy
- social activism
Key Concepts
defiance
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks are worth taking for profit?
- When does defiance become reckless?
A Different Perspective
Risk of misinterpretation can lead to real danger.
![“Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third — ['Treason!' cried the Speaker] — may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.” quote by Patrick Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c0/patrick-henry-3071_brutus_caesar-had-his-brutus-charles-the-first_1762405.jpg)
![“He claimed as a loss that "in consequence of his loyalty and engagements with Sir Henry Clinton he refused the command of the American Army in South Carolina, offered him by Washington, which was afterwards given to Greene, who [the memorialist is informed] has been rewarded . . . with the sum of…” quote by Willard Sterne Randall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/willard-sterne-randall-27391_american-army_he-claimed-as-a-loss-that-in-consequence_1810634.jpg)
