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.

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!

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

It is better to be killed than frightened to death.

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.

Cowards are cruel, but the brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.

Cowards are cruel, but the brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.

When all the blandishments of life are gone,
The coward sneaks to death, the brave live on.

When all the blandishments of life are gone,
The coward sneaks to death, the brave live on.

You are like the eels of Melun; you cry out before you are
skinned.
[Fr., Vous semblez les read more

You are like the eels of Melun; you cry out before you are
skinned.
[Fr., Vous semblez les anguilles de Melun; vous criez devant
qu'on vous esorche.]

Men lie, who lack courage to tell truth--the cowards!

Men lie, who lack courage to tell truth--the cowards!

A coward boasting of his courage may deceive strangers, but he is
a laughing-stock to those who know him.
read more

A coward boasting of his courage may deceive strangers, but he is
a laughing-stock to those who know him.
[Lat., Virtutis expers verbis jactans gloriam
Ignotos fallit, notis est derisui.]