Spoils of War Quotes

The greatest joy for a man is to defeat his enemies, to drive them before him, to take from them all they possess, to see those they love in tears, to ride their horses, and to hold their wives and daughters in his arms.

The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.

Man’s greatest good fortune is to chase and defeat his enemies, take all his goods, leave his older women weeping, ride his horses, and use the bodies of his younger women at night.

To the victor belong the spoils of the enemy.

There is nothing better than attacking your enemies and taking their property and women. That is the joy of life.

The blood of the infidels flowed so copiously at Thanesar that the stream was discoloured, notwithstanding its purity, and people were unable to drink it. The Sultan returned with plunder which is impossible to count.

I, Alfonso, King of the Portuguese, with the consent of all my people, so that it may be remembered by future generations, do provide by this protocol of confirmation that the Franks who shall remain with me in the siege of the city of Lisbon shall have and take into their power and possession the goods of whatever kind belonging to the enemy and that I and my men shall have no part whatever of them. The Franks shall freely have the ransom money from the enemy prisoners

To overcome in battle, and subdue Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch Of human glory.

I carried off his silver, gold, alabaster possessions, … and much bronze property, his palace women and his daughters, … his wagons, his oxen, his sheep, and his valuable tribute which like the stars of heaven, had no number.

To the victors belong the spoils.

The victor belongs to the spoils.

I believe in the old warrior's credo that "to the victor go the spoils."

Here you find us sitting on a field of victory, amid the plunder of armies, and you wonder how we came by a few well-earned comforts!

Historically, art has always had a market. When one medieval fiefdom defeated another they would drag back its jewels, gold, tapestries and art objects as the spoils of war. Art equaled power, riches and culture.