# XLVI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief two-line verse advising that if inclination challenges you, you should stand and fight, but from opportunity the wise take flight.

## Key lines

> If Inclination challenge, stand and fight⁠— From Opportunity the wise take flight.

When your own desires tempt you, resist them; but when a favorable chance appears, the prudent person lets it pass.

_The couplet contrasts internal temptation (inclination) with external chance (opportunity), advising resistance to the former and avoidance of the latter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/xlvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters