So fight by the ships, all together. And that comrade
who meets his death and destiny, speared or stabbed,
let him die! He dies fighting for fatherland –
No dishonor there!
He’ll leave behind him wife and sons unscathed,
his house and estate unharmed – once these Argives
sail for home, the fatherland they love.
– Homer
The Iliad, Book 15, lines 574-580. Hector’s cry as he tries to instil fresh fighting spirit into each of his soldiers. He tells them that a comrade who falls fighting for the fatherland and to protect his family dies with honor. He reminds the Trojans of what is at stake in the battle against the Greeks and uses it to help build morale among his men.