G. K. Chesterton book The Ball and the Cross
The atheist drew up his head. "And I," he said, "give my word."
The Ball and the Cross (1909), part II: "The Religion of the Stipendiary Magistrate", last paragraphs
“And now, my gallant lads — I don't know when or how —
that worm's god-slaying sword has fallen into my hands;
I swear that from its topmost iron tip the blood still drips!”
Odysseus' song, Book III, line 424
The Odyssey : A Modern Sequel (1938)
Context: The worm stood straight on God's blood-splattered threshold then
and beat his drum, beat it again, and raised his throat:
'You've matched all well on earth, wine, women, bread, and song,
but why, you Murderer, must you slay our children? Why?'
God foamed with rage and raised his sword to pierce that throat,
but his old copper sword, my lads, stuck at the bone.
Then from his belt the worm drew his black-hilted sword,
rushed up and slew that old decrepit god in heaven!
And now, my gallant lads — I don't know when or how —
that worm's god-slaying sword has fallen into my hands;
I swear that from its topmost iron tip the blood still drips!
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that worm's god-slaying sword has fallen into my hands;
I swear…" by Nikos Kazantzakis?
Nikos Kazantzakis222
Greek writer 1883–1957Related quotes
John Bunyan The Pilgrim's Progress
Part II, Ch. XI : Mr. Valiant-For-Truth
The Pilgrim's Progress (1678), Part II
“Yet love enters my blood like an I. V.,
dripping in its little white moments.”
Anne Sexton (1928–1974) poet from the United States
“I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand.”
William Blake (1757–1827) English Romantic poet and artist
“Take my hand, we'll make it i swear.”
Jon Bon Jovi (1962) American singer and musician
Music, Slippery When Wet (1986)
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) German Emperor and King of Prussia
Georg Alexander von Müller's diary entry (19 March 1918) before German Spring Offensive, quoted in Georg Alexander von Müller, The Kaiser and His Court (London: Macdonald, 1961), p. 343
1910s