Who Hath The Courage?

Who hath courage? Not the hero
Leading in the strife,
To receive a nation's plaudits,
For his waste of life.

Who, then, is it that hath courage?
He alone who dares
Act up to his own convictions,
And the right declares.

Who hath courage? Not the tyrant
Boasting of his skill,
To enslave and bind his fellow
At his simple will.

Who, then, is it that hath courage?
He that doth proclaim,
Unto all their right to freedom,
Every man the same.

Who hath courage? Not the sober,
Or untempted one,
Who hath never had his stomach
Eaten out by rum.

Who, then, is it that hath courage?
He who though he may
Have been using poison freely,
Throws the cup away.

Who hath courage? Not the daring,
Reckless pugilist,
Who for wager smites a brother,
With uplifted fist.

Who, then, is it that hath courage?
He that won't resent
Every little insult given
With a base intent.