Death he is, Death he isn't

Death he is a warrior, charging head-on men of great strength and valor. Death he is a coward, Reaping youth of no accomplishment or stature. Death he is a scholar, imparting wisdom to those willing to listen. Death he is a fool, destroying the knowledge of character's glisten. Death he is a flood, engulfing and consuming all who dare oppose. Death he is a trickle, steeling men's hearts and minds against the wind that blows. Death he is a king, ruling men's destinies with absolute power. Death he is a peasant, subject to minds of Fear, Hate, Will and Desire. Death he is a captor, containing men inside their own prisons and chains. Death he is a savior, releasing men from tiring, decade-old pains. Death he is, Death he isn't.