The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner

Summary

This brief story is about a trumpeter who is captured by soldiers while leading a charge. Though he pleads for mercy by arguing that he is unarmed and has not directly harmed anyone, his captors argue that he incites others to battle with his trumpet playing. The story highlights how a seemingly indirect role can have significant consequences and holds the protagonist accountable despite his lack of direct participation in combat. This serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibility that comes with any role that influences others, emphasizing that influence should be wielded wisely regardless of one's direct involvement in the action.

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A Trumpeter, bravely leading on the soldiers, was captured by the enemy. He cried out to his captors, “Pray spare me, and do not take my life without cause or without inquiry. I have not slain a single man of your troop. I have no arms, and carry nothing but this one brass trumpet.” “That is the very reason for which you should be put to death,” they said; “for, while you do not fight yourself, your trumpet stirs all the others to battle.”