John Hawkwood

thumb|Don’t you know that I live from war and peace would destroy me? And as I live by war, you live by alms. Sir John Hawkwood (c. 1320 – 17 March 1394) was an English soldier who served as a mercenary leader or condottiero in Italy. His exploits made him a man shrouded in myth in both England and Italy. Quotes "Monsignore, God grant you peace," said the monks."And may God take away your alms," Hawkwood responded immediately."Lord, why do you speak to us this way?" asked the frightened monks."Indeed, because you spoke thus to me," replied John."We thought we spoke well," said the monks."How can you think you spoke well," said Hawkwood, "when you approach me and say that God should let me die of hunger? Don’t you know that I live from war and peace would destroy me? And as I live by war, you live by alms. So that the answer I gave you is the same as your greeting." Conversation with two friars minor at his castle, called Montecchio, about a mile from Cortona; Franco Sacchetti, Il Trecentonovelle (1399), novella 181: excerpt translated by William Caferro, John Hawkwood (2006), p. 1 External links Category:1390s deaths Category:Military leaders from England Category:Mercenaries