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We few, we happy few


I found myself reflecting on my last EU-related rebellion and some words spoken privately to me by a senior Conservative MP at the time. It put me in mind of Henry V, for better or for worse. In Act 4, Scene 3, once Gloucester, Bedford, Westmoreland, Exeter and Salisbury have agreed upon the fearful odds against them, the King enters and Westmoreland wishes that one ten thousandth of England’s idle were with them for the battle. The King responds: What’s […]

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Paradise Lost


This quote in a political text inspired me to read Paradise Lost: I give not Heav’n for lost. From this descent Celestial vertues rising, will appear More glorious and more dread than from no fall, And trust themselves to fear no second fate…. — Milton, PL ii, 14-17 Intriguing. The things an engineer misses in literature…

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A little light Shakespeare


Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3: If we are mark’d to die, we are enow To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honour. God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my garments wear; Such outward things dwell not in my desires: But if it be […]

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