In Chapter 11 of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic
Treasure Island, Israel Hands, Dick and Long John Silver are
discussing the mutiny they are planning against Captain Smollett and those aboard the
Hispaniola likely to remain loyal to the captain. They have to be cautious, lest the
captain learn of their plans and hang them. During this discussion, they contemplate the
fate of those they plan to subdue, with murder a viable option. It is in this context
that Israel, responding to the cook's and Dick's queries as to how they will deal with
the captain and his followers that the following quote is uttered:"‘Billy was the man
for that,’ said Israel. ‘Dead men don’t bite,’ says he." What Israel Hands is saying is
that, if the captain and others are killed rather than released, even if left abandoned
on an island, they will never again pose a threat to the conspirators. Killing their
victims will eliminate any chances that the captain and other sailors will be a problem
in the future.
The phrase "mortui non
mordent" translates as "dead men tale no tales," as "dead men don't bite." It
is an old Latin phrase that is used to reaffirm the wisdom of killing one's enemies or
victims. Once dead, those victims will not be around to testify about the perpetrator's
conduct or deeds, and they won't be alive to exact revenge.
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