"Ye have bled with Wallace, now bleed with me"
Author notes
Words of Robert the Bruce from the movie "Braveheart".
"Wallace" is Wiliam Wallace.
Each person in their life faces the decision to follow their conscience and do what is right or to accept the 'safe' road and allow choices to be made for them by whatever is the prevailing wisdom.
The movie seeks to answer the question "What makes a person truly noble?" Robert the Bruce discovers in the movie that true nobility is not a matter of lands, possessions ot titles, but to be true to one's own conscience.
Robert the Bruce's cowardly, dying father would have him increase his lands and titles, be a 'puppet' ruler to the Scots and live wealthy, secure and in...dishonour. "The Bruce" is inspired by Wallace's passionate love for his country, countrymen and efforts to secure an independent Scotland.
At the end of the movie "Braveheart", Robert the Bruce Scottish heir to the throne, stands with his men on the battlefield facing the English troops. The plan is to give in, to sell out and is clearly understood by both sides. There are to be token gestures and each army will return home unharmed and it's leaders wealthier with new lands, titles, agreements.
Robert the Bruce look at a cloth he has in his sleeve which had dropped from the hand of Wallace at the time of his execution and makes the decision he has longed to make throughout the movie. He decides to follow the now dead Wallace's example which may mean a quick death (the Scots are greatly outnumbered), but a death with meaning. He chooses to live with integrity.
The Bruce's eyes now alight with the zeal and passion of his decision he turns and asks his troops "Ye bled with Wallace, will ye bleed with me?" He then leads his men into battle. The movie ends here without showing the battle but we are given to know that there is an 'upset' and the Scots are victorious.
The true history and the movie of course are not one and the same, but the values and challenges are which is what draws me to this particular 'battle cry'. There are many others which also inspire me, but I would dearly love to know I could be true to myself.
"2lullabyhaven" asked me to elaborate a bit on my motto. I have however acted on the asumption that readers have at least seen the movie "Braveheart" even if this part of history is not known to them.
See the movie, first time or again and thrill to see Robert the Bruce's fervour as he decides better to die soon and keep one's integrity then to live long with lands, titles and dishonour.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Dearest Brother Jadon
An excellent and worthy motto, thank you for the explanation. I will watch Braveheart, again, just for this reason.
Hugs and love,
Your loving sister,
Petratani
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Support from my sister!
Always better to have someone to enjoy a movie with. I should join you. So pleased to see you. All the best today. your brother Jadon
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Hmm, I thought this was from Hamlet. Not sure why, I read the whole play! lol Thanks for the backround of the quote; truly a deep line.
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Hamlet melded into Braveheart!
You could be right about Hamlet being the original source. I heard it in the movie, but who knows if perhaps Hamlet might not have been their source. Perhaps they modified some words from Hamlet?
I do see how the Brave heart story should bring Hamlet to mind. Might be good if I read Hamlet again. It has been quite a while. Thanks for your thoughts. Jadon
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A deep and powerful line from a deep and powerful movie. It's an excellent one to use as a motto, and 'one-liners' have always caught my attention the most to start with. Most all of my writing comes from 'one-liners' after all. I like the kinds of movies that can teach you something like that...not just something within history's pages, but something within oneself as well. Excellent choice, my friend.
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Attention to "one-liners"!
You are right, it al starts with a thought. Another personal favourite of mine as far as movies go is "A Man for All Seasons" (Sir Thomas More) which speaks to the same theme of integrity. There are so many good examples from the pages of history and in our lives today.
We do not often see so many home page mottos and I thought it a great idea for a contest. Thanks for commenting superstition and for your insight into "one-liners". You are one "smart cookie". Jadon
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TO thine own self be true! I think it should be better indeed to die with ones integrity intact rather than riches beyond measure! Great motto!
BLessings and huggles,
Frogz~
P.S. That is one great tater you got sitting on your shoulders!
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"with one's integrity intact"!
Again with the "tater"! You cannot imagine the image I get from that saying. Appreciate the 'ribbing' though.
You summed it up well and whether or not I am ever called to die for integrity's sake I hope regardless of the situation I can maintain my integrity. A life to find out. Thanks for stopping by . I always enjoy your visits. Jadon
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Beautifully explained!
Your forte, for me, seems to be always found in your author notes and this is no exception! Well written in essay form and leaves no questions even if you've not seen the movie! I cried long into the night after seeing this very moving tale! I could not pinpoint the exact reason for the extreme sadness but somehow felt the abuse and injustice that prevailed and actually could see that those traits don't seem to change even though the time and place may. Great entry and great explanation as well! joy
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"No questions"!
I am glad to hear that you found the explanation to be clear. I had never considered till this contest how the motto would be intrepreted by someone who had never seen the movie. Despite the armies and peoples involved the story is told as it impacts just a few central characters which perhaps makes their sufferings and triumphs have more meaning.
When Mel Gibson starred in the following movie "The Patriot", it seemed a 'cookie cutter' version of Braveheart. This is brought to mind by your comment "traits don't seem to change though the time and place may"
I appreciate your comment about the notes as I enjoy the opportunity to write and do need to know where to channel my efforts. Thanks Jadon
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I always loved this line from the film . The story behind the words is one of heartfelt interest to myself. Good luck in the contest JD....mal
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Appeals to many!
Thank you. Although William Wallace recieved the most attention in the movie it seemed the story actually revolves around Robert the Bruce and the conflict he faces. A favourite of mine as well. Jadon
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So kind of you to grace me with more understanding, I appreciate, now I can appreciate more better and it makes confirmation real. because I felt that's what it was all about, but now I know as well as feel. Again thanks for your patience and willingness to go a bit further. You're a good story teller too by the way
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An ideal judge!
I appreciate your interest both in confirming your initial impression and your responses to my efforts. You are a very good contest holder and no, I am not trying to sweeten your judgement. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to elaborate. Jadon
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Wow, care to share a little more background in your notes maybe? Just a little to make it all come together for me. Your choice, of course.
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