Saturday, March 23, 2013

No Wars of Aggression for Prince Valiant



News of Prince Valiant's successful campaign against the Huns has spread quickly, and from far and wide come envoys of kings offering their armies for the young prince to lead in a war of extermination. Yet Prince Valiant rejects all such offers. Speaking with the confidence and courtesy that befits a prince, and with his friends Tristram and Gawain at his side, he addresses the gathered envoys.

"Now, gentlemen, I know your mission. I also know that wars of aggression are but breeders of future wars. Here under my hand is the history of the world. Nowhere can I find a lasting conquest by force, Alexander and Caesar in turn conquered the world but where are their conquests now? The fruits of conquest are but sullen enmities, No, noble sirs, I have pledged my sword in the cause of justice and freedom only!"


Art and text: Hal Foster (from installment #165, April 7, 1940).
Source: Prince Valiant (Vol. 2): 1939-1940 – Hal Foster (Fantagraphics Books, 2010).

No comments:

Post a Comment