How would you say "Loyalty is not won at the point of a sword" in Latin?

Question

I'm just learning the Yahoo Q&A thing...

Would it be proper then to say

Non merita est fides mucronis aciei

By "point of the sword" I want to make a threat - - -thanx

So, how would I choose a best answer when I have no idea whos answer is best?

Answer 1

Fides ad mucronem non adquiritur.

Mucro, mucronis is a good single word for point of a sword.

Added: 'Merita est' does not seem to fit as the verb for this. It is passive voice, perfect tense, and would translate more like 'Loyalty has not been earned/merited...'

Added for additional details above: You should not use any form of 'acies' with any form of 'mucro'. That would be like saying 'point of a sword point' 'Mucro' alone means 'point of a sword' and 'ad mucronem' means 'at the point of a sword'.

As noted above, I do not think 'non merita est' is a good choice. First, it puts it in a past tense, not present. The verb 'mereo' has several possible meanings - earn; deserve/merit/have right; win/gain/incur - these all seem based on some positive action and getting a reward. That would not fit with using the point of a sword. I used a form of the verb adquiro in the present tense. Adquiro (came into English as 'acquire') means: acquire besides/in addition, obtain, win, get. That fit better with using swordpoint.

Answer 2

GLADIO ACIEI FIDES NON MERITA EST

Edit #1 - I agree below suggestion.
Fides fits better than fidelitas

Answer 3

I would use "fides", not fidelitas. Otherwise Martox's translation is great.
so " Non merita (or: 'percepta') est fides gladii acie. "

Answer 4

I have no idea.
Although in Latin, fidelitas means loyalty..
Thats about all I know from your sentence..
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Fidelitas non viciatur acuminis gladio.

Maybe.

Answer 6

sadam hus...........