On Valour and Fear

Valour mistaken through the World we see,
When rashness looks like Magnanimity;
When senseless Drunkards, vap'ring in the Street
For want of Courage, quarrel all they meet;
When practised danger brings the meanest Clown
To vie with Alexander for Renown;
When shame will fear remove, and money hire
The scum of Men to face the Cannon's fire;
We must some other Rules for Valour find,
That grows from Vertues of a higher kind.
These Men do not know why
They do not fear to die.

Experience shews, the Valiant and the Wife
May start at the first glimpse of a surprise,
And may avoid such squabbles as will stain
Their Courage, and no jot of Credit gain.
High Valour and true Vertue brightly shine,
When they're asserted by a Cause Divine.
When King and Country, or thy Church wants aid,
'Tis basest Cowardice to be afraid;
True Courage will endeavour to create
Safety to them, though ruine be their fate.
These are the Men know why
They do not fear to die.