Who said “What pity is it That we can die, but once to serve our country.”?

Verified

Joseph Addison. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceCato, A Tragedy (1713), Act IV, scene iv

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Cato, A Tragedy (1713), Act IV, scene iv.

APA

Addison, J. (n.d.). What pity is it That we can die, but once to serve our country. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32025-what-pity-is-it-that-we-can-die/

MLA

Addison, Joseph. “What pity is it That we can die, but once to serve our country.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32025-what-pity-is-it-that-we-can-die/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Addison, Joseph. “What pity is it That we can die, but once to serve our country.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32025-what-pity-is-it-that-we-can-die/.

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