Better to Die

Better to die, where gallant men are dying,Than to live on with them that basely fly:Better to fall, the soulless Fates defying,Than unassailed to wander vainly, tryingTo turn one’s face from an accusing sky!

Days matter not, nor years to the undaunted;To live is nothing,—but to nobly live!The poorest visions of the honour-hauntedMore worth than doubtful pleasure-masks enchanted,They win new life who life for others give.

The planets in their watchful course behold them—To live is nothing,—but to nobly live!—For though the Earth with mother-hands remold them,Though Ocean in his billowy arms enfold them,They are as gods, who life to others give!