'Tis Fearless, Because Pure; and Therefore Strong

 True Valour
(June Fourteenth)
by John Holland

“If thou desire to be truly valiant, fear to do any injury: he that fears not to do evil, is always afraid to suffer evil; he that never fears, is desperate; and that always fears, is a coward. He is the true valiant man that dares nothing but what he may, and fears nothing but what he ought."- Quarles. 

 Nay, tell me not a scoundrel can be brave;
 Howe'er he seems to act a gallant part,
 He bears a craven desperado's heart,
 Who is to lust of gold or flesh a slave:
 All selfish sins the spirit will deprave;
 And though the man may not at shadows start,
 He feels in conscience, a deep rankling dart,
 Keener than sword-wound. Thus doth not behave
 True Valour's impulse, working in a breast
 That knows no crime—that hides no motive base:
 'Tis fearless, because pure; and therefore strong:
 Daring or Reason, or Religion's test;
 Humanity's ally in every place;
 And shrinking but from death, when danger leads to wrong.