A well attested quote from Danish nobleman and admiral Herluf Trolle (1516 - 1565) [my hasty, naive, and insufficient translation]: Do you know why we are call

A well attested quote from Danish nobleman and admiral Herluf Trolle (1516 - 1565) [my hasty, naive, and insufficient translation]: Do you know why we are called lords, why we have golden chains and earthly property and are held in greater esteem than others? Because when king and sovereign, country and realm have need, then we must ward against the enemies of the land, protect and shield with all our powers and possessions our fatherland, so that our subjects may live and exist in peace and quietude. Yea, if we wish the sweet, we must also take the sour No empty words, those. Trolle died from injuries sustained in a naval battle, refusing treatment until his men had been looked after. The past does have its moments.