The Name Indomitus

The Indomitus Report takes its name from a Latin word referring to self-rule. In the film "Braveheart," the protagonist William Wallace is described as being a barbarian by a Latin-speaking advisor to the Princess of Wales during the opening of negotiations. Wallace replies in Latin that he is a barbarian, "Sed ego sum homo indomitus," and speaks proudly of it. Doing so shows that he is not intimidated by ancient languages nor confused by the early 14^th Century concepts of education and enlightenment. Idiomatically, the phrase "sum homo indomitus" may be translated as "I am subject to no ruler," or "I am unruled man," or "I am outside the system." Indeed, it is this notion of self-rule that is at the heart of the concept of individual sovereignty - cooperation with the principles of the free market, respect for private property and individual liberty, without external coercion.

The spirit of these ideas are conveyed very well in this particular scene from the film "Braveheart." If you wish to purchase the film on DVD or VHS, consider these links. The film may also be rented online from NetFlix. Meanwhile, here is the complete dialog of the scene in question, as transcribed from the film.

Dramatis Personae:
Isabele, Princess of Wales, played by Sophie Marceau
Sir William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson
Hamilton (King's Advisor), played by Barry McGovern


Princess:   I am the Princess of Wales. I come as the king's servant and with his authority.

Wallace:   To do what?

Princess (P):   To discuss the king's proposals. Will you speak with a woman?

{They enter the council tent}



P:   I understand you have recently been given the rank of knight.

Wallace (W):   I have been given nothing. God makes men what they are.

P:   Did God make you the sacker of peaceful cities? The executioner of the King's nephew, my husband's own cousin?

W:   York was the staging point for every invasion of my country. And that royal cousin hanged innocent Scots, even women and children, from the city walls. Ah, Longshanks did far worse the last time he took a Scottish city.

Hamilton:   Sanguinarious homo indomitus est et se me dite cum mendagio. [He is a murderous savage and he is telling lies.]

W:   Ego nunco pronunciari mendagio sed ego sum homo indomitus. [I have never spoken a lie, yet I am undominated man - and proud of it, by his tone of voice]. Ou en français si vous preferez? [or in French if you prefer?]

W:   You ask your king, to his face, ask him. You see if his eyes can convince you of the truth.



P:   Hamilton, leave us.

Hamilton:   Milady?

P:   Leave us. Now.

{Exit Hamilton}

P:   Let us talk plainly. You invade England. But you cannot complete the conquest so far from your shelter and supply. The King desires peace.

W:   Longshanks desires peace?

P:   He declares it to me, I swear it. He proposes that you withdraw your attack. In return, he grants you title, estates, and this chest of gold which I am to pay to you personally.

W:   A lordship and titles. Gold. That I should become Judas?

P:   Peace is made in such ways.

W:   Slaves are made in such ways. The last time Longshanks spoke of peace I was a boy, and many Scottish nobles who would not be slaves were lured by him, under a flag of truce, to a barn where he had them hanged. I was verra young but I remember Longshanks's notion of "peace."

P:   I understand you have sufferred. I know about your woman.

W:   She was my wife. We married in secret because I would na' share her with an English laird. They killed her to get to me. I've never spoken of it. I don't know why I tell you now, except I see her strength in you. One day you'll be a queen and you must open your eyes.

W:   You tell your king that William Wallace will not be ruled. And nor will any Scot while I live.