Quote#Death
What pity is it
Quote byNathan Hale · 1755–1776
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Last words before being hanged by the British as a spy, (September 22, 1776), according to the account by William Hull based on reports by British Captain John Montresor who was present and who spoke to Hull under a flag of truce the next day:.
English (original)
What pity is it that we can die but once to serve our country.
— Nathan Hale
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I am so satisfied with the cause in which I have engaged, that my only regret is, that I have not more lives than one to offer in its service.
I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary to the public good becomes honorable by being necessary. If the exigencies of my country demand a peculiar service, its claim to perform that service are imperious.
I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.
But see! the pains begin to fly; Tho’ Venus bled she could not die: See the new phœnix point her eyes, And lovelier from her ashes rise.
Brighter from her disease she shines, As fire the precious gold refines. Thus when the silent grave becomes Pregnant with life as fruitful wombs; When the wide seas and spacious earth Resign us to our second birth;
'Tis the night—the night Of the grave's delight, And the warlocks are at their play! Ye think that without, The wild winds shout, But no, it is they—it is they!
