SAY, what is Honour?--'Tis the finest sense <br />Of 'justice' which the human mind can frame, <br />Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim, <br />And guard the way of life from all offence <br />Suffered or done. When lawless violence <br />Invades a Realm, so pressed that in the scale <br />Of perilous war her weightiest armies fail, <br />Honour is hopeful elevation,--whence <br />Glory, and triumph. Yet with politic skill <br />Endangered States may yield to terms unjust; <br />Stoop their proud heads, but not unto the dust-- <br />A Foe's most favourite purpose to fulfil: <br />Happy occasions oft by self-mistrust <br />Are forfeited; but infamy doth kill.<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/say-what-is-honour-tis-the-finest-sense/
