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The professor and other poems

by Arthur Christopher Benson
  

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58

26
COURAGE

I have been brave in my way,
Though men did not call me brave;
They deem that I creep away,
If ever a pennon wave
Over the flashing fray.
Yet I have lain through the night
Shuddering, open-eyed,
Straining my aching sight
To see what leant at my side,
Angel or sullen sprite.

59

Then in the haggard day,—
Cruel and cold it shone,—
Sighing in sad dismay,
I bind my armour on;
I have been brave, I say.