William Shakespeare's Henry V features one of the most famous "man speeches" in literary history. From King Henry's monologue we derive the moniker "band of brothers" which has been applied to the military heroes of the English-speaking world ever since. The lines from Act IV, Scene III are spoken by the king to his men when his friend Westmoreland wishes for reinforcements, as they stand deep in enemy territory, vastly outnumbered, and facing a well-rested enemy. King Henry answers and reminds him that there is more honor in standing with the few than with the many. Gentlemen, we have the same honor. Even though we are assured victory making us in no way underdogs, we still have the honor of standing together as the few in a hostile world. In fact, he goes so far as to offer passage home for any man among them who "hath no stomach" for the fight.
He goes on to say that "he that outlives this day, and comes safe home will stand" taller when that day is spoken of. "Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars." We have the honor of standing together betrothed into Heaven's royal family. We were raised on the stories of heroes gone before. In days like these the very word "hero" is abused and misapplied so often that it almost loses its meaning, and from dark days like these, new heroes are made. Just as the stories of heroes were taught to us, "This story shall the good man teach his son," the story of "we few, we happy few, we band of brothers." Thinking of those who shrink back from the fight, King Henry speaks to us again: "And gentlemen in England now a-bed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us."