Pride in past valor may be best expressed in the St. Crispin's Day speech from "Henry V" (Act IV, Scene iii), delivered by the young king on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt.

St. Crispin's Day

By William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

If we are mark'd to die, we are enow

    To do our country loss; and if to live

    The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

    God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.

    By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,

    Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;

    It yearns me not if men my garments wear;

    Such outward things dwell not in my desires:

    But if it be a sin to covet honour,

    I am the most offending soul alive.