Discretion is the better part of valour
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Is it, or is it just cowardice? Shakespeare wrote the original as, ‘the better part of valour is discretion.’
He gave the words to Sir John Falstaff, a character not known for his bravery, and apparently based on a soldier named Sir John Fastolf. Fastolf was incorrectly accused of cowardice but in fact served with honour in the Siege of Harfleur in 1415, where he fought under the command of Henry V.
During the Siege of Orléans of 1428-1429, the delayed arrival of Fastolf’s English troops enabled the French to gather inspiration and strength from Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. The English abandoned the siege after nine days. It was this withdrawal from battle that led to Falstof being regarded as cowardly.
John Fastolf was born in 1380 in Caister, Norfolk and died in 1459 at what was then the grand old age of 78, when the average lifespan was about 54 years.
I think the phrase is now used more to mean that it is wiser to avoid confrontation than address it.
