Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was
afterwards boldest in words and tongue.
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Every recreant who proved his timidity in the hour of danger, was
afterwards boldest in words and tongue.
[Lat., Ignavissimus quisque, et ut res docuit, in periculo non
ausurus, nimis verbis et lingua feroces.]

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine read more

Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem,
Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,'
Like the poor cat i' th' adage?

A coward, a most devout coward; religious in it.

A coward, a most devout coward; religious in it.

Only cowards insult dying majesty.

Only cowards insult dying majesty.

So cowards fight when they can fly no further;
So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons;
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So cowards fight when they can fly no further;
So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons;
So desperate thieves, all hopeless of their lives,
Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers.

The coward wretch whose hand and heart can bear to torture ought below, Is ever first to quail and start read more

The coward wretch whose hand and heart can bear to torture ought below, Is ever first to quail and start from the slightest pain or equal foe.

To wish for death is a coward's part.
[Lat., Timidi est optare necem.]

To wish for death is a coward's part.
[Lat., Timidi est optare necem.]

You souls of geese,
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run
From slaves that read more

You souls of geese,
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run
From slaves that apes would men!