On This Day . . . 13 May: “blood, toil, tears, and sweat”

On this day in 1940, Sir Winston Churchill gave one of three memorable speeches to the House of Commons during the Battle of France. These three speeches were of great inspiration to the British people. Here is transcript of the speech as given by the Churchill on this day:

We are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history. That we are in action at many points — in Norway and in Holland —, that we have to be prepared in the Mediterranean. That the air battle is continuous, and that many preparations have to be made here at home.

I would say to the House as I said to those who have joined this government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.

You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs — Victory in spite of all terror — Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.

VOCABULARY

toil – le labeur, le travail

tears – des larmes

sweat – la sueur

ordeal – une épreuve

grievous – sérieux, dangereux, grave

struggle – une lutte

aim – le but

in spite of - malgré