Any coward can fight a battle when he’s sure of winning; but give me the man who has pluck to fight when he’s sure of losing. That’s my way, sir; and there are many victories worse than a defeat.

George Eliot (1819-1880) English novelist [pseud. of Mary Ann Evans]

Scenes of Clerical Life, “Janet’s Repentance,” ch. 6 (1857)
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