They Say: Poem by Victor Marie Hugo

They say:'Be prudent' - and then comes this dithyramb:
Who thinks to strike Nero
'Tiptoes in and does not first cry out an iamb
'Nor make a bugle blow

'Remember Ettenheim - abduction of great fame;
'Do not hurry your task.
'But be like Chereas who in the shadows came
Alone, silent, in mask.

'Those who follow prudence achieve their ev'ry aim
'Walk hidden in the shade…'
I'll leave to those who seek a long life to proclaim
Cowardice virtue made.