The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | ||
224
ON TURNER'S PICTURE
See how that small concentrate fiery forceIs grappling with the glory of the main,
That follows, like some grave heroic corse,
Dragged by a suttler from the heap of slain.
Thy solemn presence brings us more than pain—
Something which Fancy moulds into remorse,
That We, who of thine honour hold the gain,
Should from its dignity thy form divorce.
Yet will we read in thy high-vaunting Name,
How Britain did what France could only dare,
And, while the sunset gilds the darkening air,
We will fill up thy shadowy lines with fame,
And, tomb or temple, hail thee still the same,
Home of great thoughts, memorial Téméraire!
The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | ||