A. You blame me that I ran away? Why, Sir, the enemy advanced: Balls flew about, and -- who can say But one, if I stood firm, had glanced In my direction? Cowardice? I only know we don't live twice, Therefore -- shun death, is my advice. B. Shun death at all risks? Well, at some! True, I myself, Sir, though I scold The cowardly, by no means come Under reproof as overbold -- I, who would have no end of brutes Cut up alive to guess what suits My case and saves my toe from shoots. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE VOLUNTEER by ELBRIDGE JEFFERSON CUTLER ON SIR PALMES FAIRBORNE'S TOMB, IN WESTERMINSTER ABBEY by JOHN DRYDEN ADDRESS TO THE MUMMY AT BELZONI'S EXHIBITION by HORACE SMITH THE ABSTINENT LOVER by ABUL BAHR ON THE STATUE OF AN ANGEL, BY BIENAIME by WASHINGTON ALLSTON I AM FREEZING by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS |