Theragāthā
Verses of the Senior Monks
Chapter of the Twos
2.37. Soṇapoṭiriya
Night, with its garland of stars,
Is not just for sleeping.
Those who are conscious will know
That night is also for waking.If I were to fall from the back of an elephant
And be trampled by the tuskers that follow,
Better for me to die in battle,
Than to live on in defeat.