A peace is of the nature of a conquest; for then both parties nobly are subdued, and neither party loser.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

In theory this is true, but you can't overlook human vanity. If the pride of a nation is wounded, that's an uneasy truce.

I agree nobly is theword of long past times. It is also very true to say that, sadly, pride is seldom laid aside.

I'm pretty sure you're the victor if you do the conquering, even with all the management you have to take care of then.

The conquerors of this world should do much better once they understand that conquering the other country is like a man to win the heart of a woman. You have to love her, respect her, always, and both can have peace.

The quote in context:
From the play:"Henry IV" Part 2 → Act 4,

At one part Henry chastises his enemy the archbishop for entering the war when he, as a man of God, should be a man of peace. The archbishop’s reply was a delightful excuse for his entering the war.

SCENE II. Another part of the forest.

Enter, from one side, MOWBRAY, attended; afterwards the ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, HASTINGS, and others: from the other side, Prince John of LANCASTER, and WESTMORELAND; Officers, and others with them

ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
To you, my noble Lord of Westmoreland.
WESTMORELAND
I pledge your grace; and, if you knew what pains
I have bestow'd to breed this present peace,
You would drink freely: but my love to ye
Shall show itself more openly hereafter.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
I do not doubt you.
WESTMORELAND
I am glad of it.
Health to my lord and gentle cousin, Mowbray.
MOWBRAY
You wish me health in very happy season;
For I am, on the sudden, something ill.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
Against ill chances men are ever merry;
But heaviness foreruns the good event.
WESTMORELAND
Therefore be merry, coz; since sudden sorrow
Serves to say thus, 'some good thing comes
to-morrow.'
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
Believe me, I am passing light in spirit.
MOWBRAY
So much the worse, if your own rule be true.
Shouts within

LANCASTER
The word of peace is render'd: hark, how they shout!
MOWBRAY
This had been cheerful after victory.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
A peace is of the nature of a conquest;
For then both parties nobly are subdued,
And neither party loser.
LANCASTER
Go, my lord,
And let our army be discharged too.

Read Shakespeare people!! http://shakespeare.mit.edu/2henryiv/2henryiv.4.2.html

As always, thank you Billy (I have often wondered if he was ever called "Billy", hum???) Your insight was and still is really remarkable.

Willie must not have seen nor heard much about war. Never ending greed and narcissism seem to be the root cause.