Prudence, No. I

Prudence, No. I. [No. 40]

Though richly laden the good Bark may be
With Wealth beyond compare, if at the Helm
Prudence presides not, Storms will overwhelm
Both Crew and Cargo in the raging Sea.
Despite of Courage, all will then be Lost: 5
For “Courage unrestrain’d,” the wide EURIPIDES
Sings, “is abhorr’d by Jove and men.” He sees
But dimly when the vessel, tempest-tost,
And threaten’d every moment by each wave,
(Needing calm Courage with far-seeing Thought, 10
And wisest Counsel to quick Action brought,)
Loses the Chances in his cause to Save.
Courage, by Prudence ruled, must ever be
Prepared at once for each Emergency.

by George Markham Tweddell  1st published 1887