Literary notes about troops (AI summary)
Literature employs the word “troops” in a myriad of ways—from the precise military formations of disciplined soldiers in ancient battles to metaphorical depictions of organized groups acting with a common purpose. Historical narratives and memoirs, such as Polybius’s accounts [1, 2, 3] and Ulysses S. Grant’s recollections [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9], use “troops” to emphasize the strategic, often heroic mobilization of armed forces and to underscore the logistics of warfare. Epic poetry similarly invokes the term to magnify the grandeur and chaos of legendary combat, as seen in Homer’s vivid portrayals [10, 11] and Virgil’s lyrical descriptions [12]. In some texts, “troops” also carries a metaphorical weight—suggesting, for example, the organized unity of diverse groups or even the exotic, playful imagery found in comparisons to other assemblages [13, 14]. Across genres and periods, “troops” not only delineates military might but also becomes a broader symbol of collective endeavor and order in the face of conflict.
- Diaeus exerted himself to collect troops for the defence of Corinth, nominally as being at war with Sparta.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - Accordingly they took command of the assembled troops, and made the best of them by giving them the training of soldiers.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - Philip then passed the winter in Macedonia, in an energetic enlistment of troops for the coming campaign, Philip secures the support of Scerdilaidas.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - He knew the National troops were preparing to attack him in his chosen position.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - Meade himself reached Jetersville about two o'clock in the afternoon, but in advance of all his troops.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - This disposition of the troops would have given additional roads to march over when the advance commenced, within supporting distance of each other.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - Hancock placed batteries on high ground in his rear, which he used against the enemy, firing over the heads of his own troops.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - I know full well that General Thomas is slow in mind and in action; but he is judicious and brave and the troops feel great confidence in him.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - Prior to the battles, I had made preparations for sending troops to the relief of Burnside at the very earliest moment after securing Chattanooga.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - He, like a whirlwind, toss'd the scattering throng, Mingled the troops, and drove the field along.
— from The Iliad by Homer - But say, yon jovial troops so gaily dress'd, Is this a bridal or a friendly feast?
— from The Odyssey by Homer - The marshal’d pow’rs in equal troops divide To right and left; the gods his better side Inclose, and on the worse the Nymphs and Nereids ride.
— from The Aeneid by Virgil - Yet let us all together to our troops, And give them leave to fly that will not stay, And call them pillars that will stand to us;
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - "Savage hordes in the lowest stage of civilization are organized, like troops of monkeys, on the basis of authority.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
