The Visionary A Fragment: With Other Poems. By Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley |
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SONNET.
X.
TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
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 | The Visionary |  |
200
SONNET. X. TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
1834.
First, Noblest of this world's crowned men of Might!Who hath spared more blood than Asia's Conqueror spilt—
Chief—Statesman—Counsellor—Patriot—what thou wilt—
For all of Good and Great thou towerest in sight
Of the Earth's thronged millions! can the envenomed spite
Of grovelling Caitiffs, urge them to the guilt
Of loading thee, whose stainless Fame is built
On sure foundations—Champion of the Right!
With their abhorred black calumnies—the while
Thou labourest but to serve, and bless and aid
Thy foul Detractors—but can these defile—
These dim that Fame?—No! could they—well repaid
Wert thou by Heavenly Justice' guerdoning smile
That will not fail thee—and that cannot fade!
| The Visionary | |