The Duke of Wellington (x-y) was a great British hero early in the 19th century because he led the troops that defeated the seemingly invincible Napolean Bonaparte (x-y) in the Battle of Waterloo.

Later, the Duke was badgered by reporters to make a statement for his adoring public. He is reported to have said: "The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton."

Eton was, of course, the "public school" (read, "private school") where the sons of generations of well-to-do Englishmen were educated. There was and is great emphasis upon sports. So, the implication of this remark is that in sports, the victors learned the skills and dedication that led them to victory.

This remark was quoted for decades. It built up a kind of "athletic religion" that has continued down to our time, even after Wellington's comment has been mostly forgotten.

The zerosum sports game is supposed to be the best preparation for War and Peace.

However, when the Duke was later asked about this comment, he said he offered it only to get rid of meddlesome reporters. He was kidding!

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Here's a folk story about the Duke and that Battle. It involves Sam Small, folk hero of Yorkshire in England.

The story goes that the British troops are all assembled to march off to battle. And Sam Small was in the front of the leading troop. Suddenly Sam Small dropped his musket.

A corporal rushed up and ordered Sam to pick up his musket. Sam did not.

A sergeant came over and ordered Sam to pick up his musket. But Sam did not.

A lieutenant arrived and ordered Sam to pick up his musket. Sam would not.

One by one, officers of higher rank individually ordered Sam Small to pick up his musket. Standing erect, Sam did not bend down to pickup his musket.

Realizing a delay, the Duke of Wellington came riding up and asked what caused the delay. It was explained to the Duke that none of the troops could march forward because Sam Small woulld not pick up his musket.

The Duke of Wellington, of course, knew who Sam Small was. And the Duke, of course, knew how to speak to a Yorkshireman.

So, in his elegant uniform, sitting on his beautiful horse, the great Duke of Wellington said: "Eee, Sahm, pick up thy musket."

So Sam Small picked up his musket. The troops marched off. The Battle of Waterloo began. And Napolean Bonaparte was defeated -- all because Sam Small picked up his musket.