A Trumpeter during a battle ventured too near the enemy and was
captured by them. They were about to proceed to put him to death when
he begged them to hear his plea for mercy. “I do not fight,” said he,
“and indeed carry no weapon; I only blow this trumpet, and surely that
cannot harm you; then why should you kill me?”
“You may not fight yourself,” said the others, “but you encourage and
guide your men to the fight.”
Words may be deeds.