Quote#Death
If we must die, O let us nobly die
Quote byClaude McKay · 1889–1948
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: If We Must Die, l. 5-8 (1919).
English (original)
If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!
— Claude McKay
More from Claude McKay
The wine-flushed, bold-eyed boys, and even the girls, Devoured her with their eager, passionate gaze; But looking at her falsely-smiling face, I knew her self was not in that strange place.
Oh, I must keep my heart inviolate Against the potent poison of your hate.
The pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet, A chafing savage, down the decent street; And passion rends my vitals as I pass, Where boldly shines your shuttered door of glass.
Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!
The shivering birds beneath the eaves Have sheltered for the night.
Deep in the secret chambers of my heart I muse my life-long hate, and without flinch I bear it nobly as I live my part.