Who said “For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle…”?

Verified

Oliver Goldsmith. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Art of Poetry on a New Plan (1761), vol. ii. p. 147.

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“For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again.”
VerifiedThe Art of Poetry on a New Plan (1761), vol. ii. p. 147. · evidenceDiscretion
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Art of Poetry on a New Plan (1761), vol. ii. p. 147..

APA

Goldsmith, O. (n.d.). For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13612-for-he-who-fights-and-runs-away-may/

MLA

Goldsmith, Oliver. “For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13612-for-he-who-fights-and-runs-away-may/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Goldsmith, Oliver. “For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13612-for-he-who-fights-and-runs-away-may/.