ABSTRACT
Courage in general may be divided into the greater and the lesser courage, into cultured courage and untutored courage. That courage is most highly praised which impels men to leap fearlessly upon the foe and which is, in the face of danger, invincible and unyielding. Such is the courage which in spite of great odds endures all hardship and advances with the irresistible momentum of the raging torrent. The courage which
would fulfil its obligations in such wise as this is truly praiseworthy. The lesser courage, or what might be called the superficial or the mean courage, has ever been regarded with disdain. Great men have scorned such courage. The spirit which would throw itself with dauntless valour upon hardship has power to move men and lead them on. Without such true courage mankind must wither and decay. Without such courage nations become feeble and degenerate. In view of undoubted evidence we are able to perceive that this spirit is truly the life-force of humanity and the vital nerve of the national organisation. It can never be too greatly stimulated. Such indeed is the greater courage. Such is true courage. We should always bear in mind that this is the type of courage possessed by all great men. How truly is this greater courage to be revered! Since each subject and each least handful of earth are the possession of our Emperor no harm must ever be permitted to assail the one nor is any loss to be endured with respect to the other. Loyal subjects of the Emperor can never permit the injury of a single citizen nor the loss of an inch of soil. From time immemorial our people have never failed to observe the Imperial commands nor have they neglected the protection of the national possessions. Subjects of this Empire, which from its ancient foundation has never witnessed the aggressions of foreign oppressors upon its shores, scorn to display a mean or ignoble courage. Though possessed of true courage they yet do not boast of it publicly. Nevertheless, when the august commands call forth their services they spring valiantly forward to join combat with their enemies. When the Imperial commands require their services they offer themselves in invincible self-sacrifice regardless of life and treasure, or of other things commonly held dear. They are ready to devote the last ounce of their energy to the accomplishment of their duties and to the fulfilment of their obligations, never giving back a single pace but rather pressing forward with resistless vigour.
