courage (Tyrtaeus)

I couldn’t care less for anything on two legs that runs fast or throws another to the ground

big as Cyclops though he be and just that strong

and prettier than Tithonus richer than Midas or anyone

a bigger king than Pelops yet a finer speechmaker than Adrastus

everything in his lap but courage everyone is worthless in a war

but one who can face up to bloody slaughter hand to hand with the enemy

the finest thing a man can learn is courage the best a boy can reach

all his people stand with him among the spears in the van

forgetting all about retreat he has learned to bear it all

exhorting all to stand their ground this is what he is like

he leaps to charge the gross leagues of opposition and lets them come at him

one who dies in this way blesses every man in company with him

shot through in his midst beyond the shield and armor

he is mourned by young and old his country weeps for him and his going

his burial place a monument and all his progeny ever and always

his glory remembered and his name though he be dead

when Ares takes unto himself a soldier on his ground for kith and kin

yet lives he whosoever in the battle victorious and honored

then the work of man is his and happiness before his life ends

elder he has respect none taketh away that which he has earned

no man stands before him neither young nor old

so try you this to attain courage full of heart and never retreating

tr. after Lattimore