My Forlorn Hope

In medieval times, during the siege of a castle, when the catapult or trebuchet or cannon or mining or stealth or subterfuge and treachery would weaken or crumble the enemy's defences, a small force of volunteers would attack the opening, with the knowledge that most would die, a lucky few wounded.

These men were called the 'Forlorn Hope'.

Most volunteered for self-promotion, for if they survived, they'd get a large amount of the captured booty, and the prestige of being the lucky few living Forlorn Hope.

I can't decide whether this is a sad example of society's reliance and yearning for money and power, or simply a brave act by selfless men who probably didn't have much going for them at the time.

To be honest if I was somehow in that situation I would feel like I would be encouraged to be a Forlorn Hope. I don't think I'm brave, but I don't think I'd have as much to lose as the other people around me. Most would have families and wives and pets and promises waiting for them at home. I'm not really sad about that though it's just where I am right now. My Forlorn Hope is to have a family and a wife who loves me one day. There's not much left to do but put my head down and run towards the light. If I make it, I'll have more riches than any Forlorn Hope before me.

Wishful Ethan..