1813.9
Hudibras Improved!
Anon
The Morning Chronicle (August 7, 1813)

"Discretion the better part of valour"

One Warrior said, and who'll gainsay?
That "He who fights and runs away,
May live to fight another day:"
But gallant M----y[1] doth surpass
The valiant Hero, HUDIBRAS;
For Sir JOHN holds that it is right
To run away before you fight,
Since he who doth the battle stay,
May never live to run away!

Notes

1. Sir John Murray, a British officer, retreated before engaging the French in battle in Spain in June, 1813.