O proud death, what feast is toward in thine eternal cell that thou so many princes at a shot so bloodily hast struck?

O proud death, what feast is toward in thine eternal cell that thou so many princes at a shot so bloodily hast struck?

The quote “O proud death, what feast is toward in thine eternal cell that thou so many princes at a shot so bloodily hast struck?” is from William Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part 3. In this line, the character King Henry laments the deaths of several princes who have been killed in battle. The phrase “O proud death” suggests that death is seen as a powerful force that takes pride in its ability to claim the lives of even the most powerful individuals.

The use of the word “feast” in this context is interesting, as it implies that death is consuming these princes as if they were food. This imagery adds a sense of brutality to the deaths, highlighting the violent and sudden nature of their demise. The phrase “at a shot” further emphasizes the suddenness of their deaths, suggesting that they were all killed in one swift and deadly attack.

The use of the word “bloodily” also adds to the sense of violence and horror surrounding the deaths of these princes. It suggests that their deaths were not peaceful or painless, but rather marked by bloodshed and suffering. This further emphasizes the tragic and brutal nature of their deaths.

Overall, this quote captures the sense of shock and horror that often accompanies sudden and violent deaths. It speaks to the unpredictability of life and the power of death to claim even the most powerful and privileged individuals. In the context of Shakespeare’s play, it serves to underscore the chaos and brutality of war, as well as the fragility of human life.