TRUE COURAGE

[ZaunköniG]

TRUE COURAGE.

I boast no courage on the battle-field,
Where hostile troops immix in horrid fray ;
For Love or Fame I can no weapon wield,
"With burning lust an enemy to slay : —

But test my spirit at the blazing stake,
For advocacy of the Rights of Man,
And Truth — or on the wheel my body break ;
Let Persecution place me 'neath its ban ;

Insult, defame, proscribe my humble name ;
Yea, put the dagger to my naked breast ;
If I recoil in terror from the flame,
Or recreant prove when Peril rears its crest,

To save a limb, or shun the public scorn —
Then write me down for aye, Weakest of woman born!