"We Owe God A Death"
FEEBLE
By my troth I care not, a man can die but once, we owe God a death. I'll ne'er
bear a base mind. An't be my destiny, so; an't be not, so; no man's too good to
serve's prince. And let it go which way it will, he that dies this year is quit
for the next.
BARDOLPH
Well said, thou'rt a good fellow.
FEEBLE
Faith I'll bear no base mind.
In this passage from Henry IV, Part II, Feeble expresses a stoic acceptance of life’s inevitable end, boldly declaring, "we owe God a death." His words reflect a common Elizabethan belief in the inevitability of fate and mortality. Feeble's readiness to serve in the army, despite the dangers, underscores his courage and sense of duty. He asserts that no one is too noble to serve their ruler and that death, when it comes, settles one's earthly accounts. The phrase "he that dies this year is quit for the next" suggests that meeting one's end resolves all obligations—what lies beyond is of no concern. Feeble's attitude contrasts with those who seek to escape service, emphasizing his honorable, albeit fatalistic, mindset.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.