“Here, in this filthy stench of powder smoke, he felt at home. Other men learned how to plough fields or to shape wood, but Sharpe had learned how to use a musket or rifle, sword or bayonet, and how to turn an enemy's flank or assault a fortress.”

Lieutenant Richard Sharpe, p. 69
Sharpe (Novel Series), Sharpe's Rifles (1988)

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "Here, in this filthy stench of powder smoke, he felt at home. Other men learned how to plough fields or to shape wood, …" by Bernard Cornwell?
Bernard Cornwell photo
Bernard Cornwell 175
British writer 1944

Related quotes

George Gordon Byron photo
Robert Graves photo

“And what of home — how goes it, boys,
While we die here in stench and noise?”

Robert Graves (1895–1985) English poet and novelist

"Country At War"
Country Sentiment (1920)

Julian (emperor) photo

“How keen in war your swords!
But now 'tis wisdom's turn;
Now let your rivals learn
How keen can be your words.”

Julian (emperor) (331–363) Roman Emperor, philosopher and writer

The Caesars (c. 361)
Context: The trial that begins
Awards to him who wins
The fairest prize to-day.
And lo, the hour is here
And summons you. Appear!
Ye may no more delay.
Come hear the herald's call
Ye princes one and all.
Many tribes of men
Submissive to you then!
How keen in war your swords!
But now 'tis wisdom's turn;
Now let your rivals learn
How keen can be your words.

Yolanda King photo

“You learn in retrospect and appreciate as you move on. I was indeed shaped by my experience at Smith—it was the first time I had to struggle. It was the very first time I learned how to determine and focus very specifically on the things that I felt were important, to strategize and to learn how to go about getting them and making them happen.”

Yolanda King (1955–2007) American actress

1980s, A Dream Deferred (1989)
Context: It is a real thrill to be back home. When I was here I was not as endeared to this institution as I am now. You learn in retrospect and appreciate as you move on. I was indeed shaped by my experience at Smith—it was the first time I had to struggle. It was the very first time I learned how to determine and focus very specifically on the things that I felt were important, to strategize and to learn how to go about getting them and making them happen. While it was painful then, I am truly thankful for that experience now.

Bernard Cornwell photo
Charles Stewart Parnell photo
Bernard Cornwell photo

“"What do you think?" "Sir?" "Frightening? Did you ever learn mathematics?" "Yes, sir." "So add up how many Frenchmen can actually use their muskets."”

Bernard Cornwell (1944) British writer

Captain Richard Sharpe and Ensign Denny, commenting on an approaching French column, a formation that only allows the front rank to fire, p. 220
Sharpe (Novel Series), Sharpe's Eagle (1981)

Sherman Alexie photo
Mitch Albom photo

Related topics