The Two Soldiers and the Robber

by Aesop

TWO SOLDIERS, traveling together, were set upon by a Robber. The one fled away; the other stood his ground and defended himself with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the timid companion runs up and draws his sword, and then, throwing back his traveling cloak, says: I'll at him, and I'll take care he shall learn whom he has attacked. On this, he who had fought with the Robber made answer: I only wish that you had helped me just now, even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, till you can deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who have experienced with what speed you ran away, know right well that no dependence can be placed on your valor.

Moral:
When a coward is found out, his pretensions of valor are useless.