Joe Bloggs

St Crispin's Day

No it isn't. Not today anyway, but we've got a crappy movie on TV and a soldier on a training field just gave the whole St. Crispin's Day speech from Henry V. I have a sort of soft spot for Henry V because I remember quoting it in a Japanese economic history question in my finals at uni. (Saw Branagh play the part on stage at Stratford as well - his first step to stardom - it was OK, but not one to write home about.) Anyway, here's the speech - don't ask too many questions, just enjoy it for the poetry. I really should put more Shakespeare on here.

This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.