I cannot flatter myself with the expectation of good success more than this, to end my days with honour and a good conscience." - Meaning and context.">
Remark to Prince Rupert of the Rhine in 1646, just before surrendering to the Scots. As quoted in Early Modern England: A Narrative History (2009) by Robert Bucholz and Newton Key, p. 258
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I confess that, speaking as a mere soldier or statesman, there is no probability of my ruin; yet, as a Christian, I must tell you that God will not suffer rebels and traitors to prosper, nor this cause be overthrown, and whatever personal punishment it shall please hi to inflict on me, must not make me repine, much less give over this quarrel... Indeed, I cannot flatter myself with the expectation of good success more than this, to end my days with honour and a good conscience.

— Charles I of England

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "I confess that, speaking as a mere soldier or statesman, there is no probability of my ruin; yet, as a Christian, I must tell you that God will not suffer rebels and traitors to prosper, nor this cause be overthrown, and whatever personal punishment it shall please hi to inflict on me, must not make me repine, much less give over this quarrel... Indeed, I cannot flatter myself with the expectation of good success more than this, to end my days with honour and a good conscience." in the context of "Remark to Prince Rupert of the Rhine in 1646, just before surrendering to the Scots. As quoted in Early Modern England: A Narrative History (2009) by Robert Bucholz and Newton Key, p. 258" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Charles I of England" (Quotes, 1640s) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Charles I of England

About Charles I of England

Charles I (November 19, 1600 – January 30, 1649) was King of England, King of Scotland, and King of Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. After his succession in 1625, Charles quarrelled with the Parliament of England, which sought to curb his royal prerogative. Charles believed in the divine right of kings, and was determined to govern according to his own conscience.