
“He learned the arts of riding, fencing, gunnery,
And how to scale a fortress - or a nunnery.”
Lieutenant Richard Sharpe, p. 69
Sharpe (Novel Series), Sharpe's Rifles (1988)
“He learned the arts of riding, fencing, gunnery,
And how to scale a fortress - or a nunnery.”
“And what of home — how goes it, boys,
While we die here in stench and noise?”
"Country At War"
Country Sentiment (1920)
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.
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.
Major Richard Sharpe, p. 311
Sharpe (Novel Series), Sharpe's Enemy (1984)
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)