Courage isn't a brilliant dash, br A daring deed in a moment's flash; br It isn't an instantaneous thing br Born of despair with a sudden spring br It isn't a creature of flickered hope br Or the final tug at a slipping rope; br But it's something deep in the soul of man br That is working always to serve some plan. br br Courage isn't the last resort br In the work of life or the game of sport; br It isn't a thing that a man can call br At some future time when he's apt to fall; br If he hasn't it now, he will have it not br When the strain is great and the pace is hot. br For who would strive for a distant goal br Must always have courage within his soul. br br Courage isn't a dazzling light br That flashes and passes away from sight; br It's a slow, unwavering, ingrained trait br With the patience to work and the strength to wait. br It's part of a man when his skies are blue, br It's part of him when he has work to do. br The brave man never is freed of it. br He has it when there is no need of it. br br Courage was never designed for show; br It isn't a thing that can come and go; br It's written in victory and defeat br And every trial a man may meet. br It's part of his hours, his days and his years, br Back of his smiles and behind his tears. br Courage is more than a daring deed: br It's the breath of life and a strong man's creed.