144 . Courage

TWO kinds of courage are there in the creed

Of simple men. The one is courage born,

Not made; enfibred in the heart, not worn

Above it; strong in every hour of need.

The other courage is of doubtful breed,

For cowardice itself caught on the thorn

Of sharp despair may lead a hope forlorn

And trick the world with one swift dazzling deed.

But this that holds me in perpetual lease,

How can I give so motley thing a name?

That wins no battles nor will sue for peace,

That dares, that cries ‘Alas, my strength is gone!’

That droops, revives, that falters and fights on—

Is this thing courage or but fear of shame?