Poems (Coates 1916)/Volume I/Courage

by Florence Earle Coates

For other versions of this work, see Courage (Coates).

COURAGE

'T IS the front toward life that matters most—
The tone, the point of view,
The constancy that in defeat
Remains untouched and true;

For death in patriot fight may be
Less gallant than a smile,
And high endeavor, to the Gods,
Seems in itself worth while!