“There are worser ills to face
Than foemen in the fray;
And many a man has fought because—
He feared to run away.”

Act. iv. Sc. 3.
The Marriage of Guenevere (1891)

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Richard Hovey 16
American writer 1864–1900

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Context: To withdraw is not to run away, and to stay is no wise action when there is more reason to fear than to hope. 'Tis the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket. And though I am but a clown, or a bumpkin, as you may say, yet I would have you to know I know what is what, and have always taken care of the main chance...

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