A COWARD is man, yet a hero
Whose will overmasters his fear,
Till peril no longer appals him,
And danger itself groweth dear.
Poised and strong, asking no intervention,
He hazards the rock and the shoal;
One only thing halts his pretension—
Love frightens the soul.

Self-disciplined, slowly but surely,
Disaster accustomed to brave,
He makes a companion of sorrow,
Nor falters at threat of the grave;
Nay, often would hold it at nearer
Approach a beneficent goal—
But, ah! with the thought of one dearer,
Love frightens the soul!