"Together we stand, divided we fall"

[WaldoMcFroog]

Anyone able to find a derivation for this? I've seen some claims for Lincoln, but nothing that seems definitive. Thanks.

[Quizmonster]

It's from The Flag of our Nation by George Pope Morris, an American poet who lived from 1802 - 1864.

[Quizmonster]

I should have added that his phrase used 'united' rather than 'together'.

[Quizmonster]

The original version of this saying appeared in John Dickinson's Liberty Song of 1768, as follows:

" Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall."

This is obviously earlier than the one I offered previously.
Clearly, Morris based his words on Dickinson's concept, but it's Morris's we always quote!

[kettledrum]

I think the origin of this phrase is probably biblical.

Matthew 12 25 ..."every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."

See also Luke 11 17 ..."a house divideth against itself falleth"

[Quizmonster]

I've no doubt but that the concept is bible-old, but the biblical references don't really stress - except by implication - the importance of the "united" element.
It's pretty clear that the quote, as outlined by the questioner above, is meant to be the one by G P Morris.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Thanks everyone. I think it probably is the Morris version which is closest to what I was after. Much appreciated.