Final Words from the Movie "Patton"

In recent days, I have more than once thought of the final words from the movie Patton. For those of you that have not seen the segment, it features a voiceover by George C. Scott, speaking in his role as General George S. Patton. I have wondered whether the quotation is true or apocryphal, although less and less so. Nonetheless, I usually recall its words in times of frenzied, unbridled enthusiasm for any individual. It seems particularly poignant on the inauguration of a new President of the United States and the departure of the outgoing President.

"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph: a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes, his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning—that all glory is fleeting."

1 Peter 1:24-25