The Phoenix on the Sword
What do I know of cultured ways,
the gilt, the craft and the lie?
I, who was born in a naked land
and bred in the open sky.
The subtle tongue, the sophist guile,
they fail when the broadsword sing;
Rush in and die dogs-
I was a man before I was a king.
Robert E. Howard
January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936
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ReplyDeleteProbably my favorite quote from REH of all time. Its simplicity belies its depth.
ReplyDeleteI was a man before I was a king.
I often wonder if Howard was paraphrasing the boxer Jack Johnson, who when asked how he wanted to be remembered, replied, "Tell them I was a man!"
A little fog outside this morning. I think I'll step outside and listen to find if I can hear the distant sound of laughter and the clink of cups in Valhalla.
ReplyDeleteOne of mine too Paul-I would'nt doubt the origin but I don't know for sure.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Charles.
Beautiful quote. Think I'll pour some mead and crack open one of Howard's yarns.
ReplyDeleteHoward could convey more in a few lines of poetry than most of the poets I had to read in school. Thanks for the quote, David.
ReplyDeleteRight on Bruce.
ReplyDeleteKeith, you bet - always a favorite of mine too.