Meaning: The quote "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first" is attributed to Sir Thomas More, an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, and statesman. More's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with the turbulent political and religious landscape of 16th-century England, particularly during the reign of King Henry VIII. This quote is often cited as a testament to More's unwavering commitment to his religious principles, even at the cost of his own life.

Sir Thomas More was born in London in 1478 and received a humanist education at Oxford University. He became a prominent figure in English political and intellectual circles, serving as a Member of Parliament and eventually rising to the position of Lord Chancellor in 1529. However, More's tenure as Lord Chancellor was marked by his refusal to accept King Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church and his subsequent establishment of the Church of England.

The quote in question is believed to have been spoken by More during his trial for treason in 1535. More's refusal to acknowledge Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England and his refusal to take an oath of allegiance to the king's new marriage to Anne Boleyn led to his arrest, trial, and ultimately his execution. Throughout his trial, More remained steadfast in his commitment to his religious beliefs, asserting that his first allegiance was to God and his conscience, rather than to the king.

The words "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first" encapsulate More's unwavering devotion to his religious convictions and his refusal to compromise his conscience for the sake of political expediency. It reflects More's deep-seated belief in the supremacy of moral and religious duty over temporal authority, even in the face of dire consequences.

More's principled stand and his ultimate martyrdom have made him a symbol of religious freedom and conscience throughout the centuries. His life and legacy have been the subject of numerous literary and artistic works, including Robert Bolt's play "A Man for All Seasons," which portrays More's moral steadfastness in the face of political pressure.

In 1935, nearly four centuries after his execution, More was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, recognizing his martyrdom and steadfast commitment to his religious beliefs. The quote "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first" continues to be cited as a powerful testament to More's enduring legacy as a champion of religious freedom, moral integrity, and conscience.

In conclusion, the quote "I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first" encapsulates Sir Thomas More's unwavering commitment to his religious principles and his refusal to compromise his conscience for the sake of political expediency. More's life and legacy continue to inspire and resonate across generations, serving as a reminder of the enduring importance of religious freedom and moral integrity.