Cowardice, as distinguished from panic, is almost always simply a lack of ability to suspend the functioning of the imagination.

Cowardice, as distinguished from panic, is almost always simply a lack of ability to suspend the functioning of the imagination.

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.]

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?

The coward threatens when he is safe.

The coward threatens when he is safe.

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.

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

How many cowards whose hearts are all as false
As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins
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How many cowards whose hearts are all as false
As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins
The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars,
Who inward searched, have livers white as milk!

A cowardly cur barks more fiercely than it bites.
[Lat., Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet.]

A cowardly cur barks more fiercely than it bites.
[Lat., Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet.]

Hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated.

Hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated.