“No war, or battle's sound
Was heard the world around.
The idle spear and shield were high up hung.”
Hymn, stanza 4, line 53
On the Morning of Christ's Nativity (1629)
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John Milton 190
English epic poet 1608–1674Related quotes

The Works of Publius Virgilius Maro (2nd ed. 1654), Virgil's Æneis

“… for the shield may be as important for victory, as the sword or spear.”
Source: The Origin of Species

“Then rushed to meet the insulting foe;
They took the spear, but left the shield.”
To the Memory of the Americans who fell at Eutaw. Compare: "When Prussia hurried to the field, And snatched the spear, but left the shield", Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Introduction to canto iii.

“When Prussia hurried to the field,
And snatch'd the spear, but left the shield.”
Canto III, introduction.
Marmion (1808)
C. West Churchman (1990, p. 130) cited in: Magnus Ramage, Karen Shipp (2009) Systems Thinkers. p. 140
1980s and later

1970s, Forces interview (1973)
Source: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You