Courage according to the Dictionary is a quality of mind or temperament that enables one to stand fast in the face of opposition, hardship, or danger . One of its obsolete definitions is the heart as the source of emotion. Some of its synonyms are bravery, valor, bravado which refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness, i.e. bravery in a battle. Valor implies heroic courage, i.e. valor in fighting for the right. Bravado is now usually a boastful and ostentatious pretense of courage or bravery, i.e. empty bravado. The word courage first appeared in the 14th century. It comes from the Middle English corage, from Old French, from cuer heart, from Latin cor. One example where courage is greatly shown is the story of the Spartans.
             Long ago the people of Greece were not united, as they are today. Instead there were several cities and states, each with its own leader. King Philip of Macedon, a land in the northern part of Greece, wanted to bring all of Greece together under his rule. So he raised a great army and made war upon the other states, until nearly all were forced to call him their king. Sparta, however, resisted.
             The Spartans lived in the southern part of Greece, an area called Laconia, and so they were sometimes called Lacons. They were noted for their simple habits and their bravery. They were also known as a people who used few words and chose them carefully; even today a short answer is often described as being "laconic."
             Philip knew he must subdue the Spartans if all Greece was to be his. So he brought his great army to the borders of Laconia, and sent a message to the Spartans.
             "If you do not submit at once," he threatened them, "I will invade your country. And if I invade, I will pillage and burn everything you hold dear. If I march into L...