One of two small lanterns glows warmly beside an unlit lantern on coiled rope and dark wooden boards.

Original artwork, not a still

Nathan Hale

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker wishes he could give more than one life for his country. Even the greatest personal sacrifice is presented as too little. His regret expresses the strength of that devotion rather than a wish to avoid the sacrifice.

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