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!