You can do anything with bayonets except sit on them.

You can make a throne of bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.

You can build a throne with bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.

A man may build himself a throne of bayonets, but he can't sit on it.

Yes; quaint and curious war is! You shoot a fellow down you'd treat if met where any bar is, or help to half-a-crown.

The reason there's no modern-day Shakespeare is because he didn't have anything to do except sit in a room with a candle and think.