True Bravery Poem by Venkatesh Raghava

In 1746, Britain was at war with Spain

Ships belong to rival were sunk

Merchant ship belonging to British

Near Spain port experienced leak.



The brave Captain went to surrender to governor

But the governor was the real conqueror

Although it was the enemy who walked into his parlour

To his great surprise refused to take them prisoner.



Governor said, “Had you come with hostile intention

To your request I would have listened,

But as you came as distressed mariner

Your crew and ship I would spare.



Governor was given moment to crush his enemy

But he declined to do so magnanimously

Thus magnanimity makes friends out of foes

In this world which you and I love.