 | A Tribute To The Memory of Lord Nelson |  |
Ye gen'rous souls, Britannia's guardian hosts,
Who rear our commerce and protect our coasts,
Who wear in varying climes the circling year,
Nor scorching suns, nor skies inclement fear,
Remember mighty Nelson's great bequest—
“A patriot spirit in a dauntless breast!”
Still may the spirit of that illustrious soul
Pervade, direct, and animate the whole!
Inspire your councils, and your hearts unite,
Till vict'ry brightens through the blended fight!
So shall your crowded barks from distant shores,
Rich with their spicy freight and precious ores,
Securely seek Britannia's favour'd coast,
While her fall'n foes shall to their mighty cost,
(Their laurels blasted, and their efforts lost,)
Reluctant own that Britons can outdo
Increasing hosts, and their past prowess too;
By combat better'd, brighter still in fame,
Time shall enroll the British Seaman's name;
And ages hence, to ocean's utmost verge,
Proclaim him victor o'er the foaming surge.
Who rear our commerce and protect our coasts,
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Nor scorching suns, nor skies inclement fear,
Remember mighty Nelson's great bequest—
“A patriot spirit in a dauntless breast!”
Still may the spirit of that illustrious soul
Pervade, direct, and animate the whole!
Inspire your councils, and your hearts unite,
Till vict'ry brightens through the blended fight!
So shall your crowded barks from distant shores,
Rich with their spicy freight and precious ores,
Securely seek Britannia's favour'd coast,
While her fall'n foes shall to their mighty cost,
(Their laurels blasted, and their efforts lost,)
Reluctant own that Britons can outdo
Increasing hosts, and their past prowess too;
By combat better'd, brighter still in fame,
Time shall enroll the British Seaman's name;
And ages hence, to ocean's utmost verge,
Proclaim him victor o'er the foaming surge.
| A Tribute To The Memory of Lord Nelson | |