Song For The Brave. Poem by Samuel Bamford

Say what is the life of the brave?
A gift which his Maker hath given,
Lest nothing but tyrant and slave
Remain of mankind under Heaven.
And what is the life of the brave
When staked in the cause of his right?
'Tis but as a drop to a wave—
A trifle he values as light.

And what is the Death of the brave?
A loss which the good shall deplore;
His life unto freedom he gave,
And freemen behold him no more.
Tis the close of a glorious day,
'Tis the setting of yonder bright sun;
A summons that heralds the way,
To a heaven already begun!

And what is the Fame of the brave?
'Tis the halo which follows his day,
The noble examples he gave,
Remaining in splendid array!
The coward doth hopeless behold;
The wise and the good do admire;
But in the warm heart of the bold,
Awakens a nobler fire!

Then who would not live with the brave?
The wretch without virtue or worth.
And who would not die with the brave?
The coward that cumbers the earth.
And who shall partake with the brave
The fame which his valour hath won?
Oh, he that abides with the brave,
Till the battle of freedom is done!