Siwardus, consul rigidissimus, pro fluuio uentris ductus mortem sensit imminere. Dixitque, 'Quantus pudor me tot in bellis mori non potuisse, et uaccarum morti cum dedecore reseruarer! Induite me saltem lorica mea impenetrabili, precingite gladio. Sublimate galea. Scutum in leua. Securim auratam michi ponite in dextra, ut militum fortissimus modo militis moriar.' Dixerat, et ut dixerat armatus honorifice spiritum exalauit.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A dying warrior insists on wearing armor and carrying weapons so he dies like a soldier, not a common man.
- In plain terms
- An old commander wants to be dressed for battle before he dies.
- What can you take from it?
- Identity and dignity persist until the final moment of life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you wish to face death?
- Does appearance matter at the end?
Another view
The focus on ritual masks the tragedy of the loss itself.
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