Vlad the Impaler:

Better to die with honor than to live in shame.

— Vlad the Impaler Contemporary

Dracula inspiration, brutal ruler

A common proverb attributed to him, but direct evidence is lacking.

c. 1460

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: grok

Cross Reference

1 source

"I have killed peasant men and women, old and young... We killed 23,884 Turks."

"Tell your master that he is an old woman, and that I will not let him rule over me."

"I have no need for advisers who lack courage."

"I have no pity for the weak-hearted."

"I will crush all who stand against me."