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WAR-SONG,
WRITTEN IN MAY 1803, ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE NEGOTIATION PAPERS .
And fright him there, and make him tremble there?
O, let it not be said. ------
------ Nought can make us rue,
If England to herself shall rest but true.”
Shakspere, King John.
“Bend, Britons, bend the stubborn knee;
“Own your ancient virtue fled,
“And know not that ye once were free.
“Speak no more, as Britons ought;
“Act no more the Briton's part
“With valiant hand and honest heart;
“What indignation bids you feel,
“Dare not, dare not to reveal,
“Tho' Justice sharpen, dare not grasp the lance,
“Nor single-handed tempt the might of France.
“Her breast with many a war-wound gor'd,
“Me Helvetia owns her Lord.
“Boast not then your fleets, that sweep
“The eastern and the western deep;
“Boast not then your sea-wash'd land
“Rampart-girt by Nature's hand;
“Fleets and billows stay not me—
“Then bow the head, and bend the knee,
“Britons, no more your rival ranks advance,
“Nor single-handed dare to cope with France.”
Stoops to the tempest, we will bow.
Yes! we will bend, as the tall rock,
Mocking the wave that chafes below.
Now by the sable prince imbrued
Once and again in Gallic blood;
Harry, thy helm; and, Marlb'rough, thine;
By our chiefs on Nilus' tide,
Him, who triumph'd; him, who died;
By him, whom Acon's turrets raise
To lion-hearted Richard's praise;
Yes! we will still our rival ranks advance,
And single-handed brave the might of France.
Launch thy navies, arm thine host;
And beneath night's fav'ring wing,
Thy banners plant on England's coast.
Come! but hope not to return;
Here other thoughts thou soon shalt learn;
Shalt feel, that Britons still may claim
The honours of the British name;
On British as on Syrian land;
Still rise superior to the sons of Chance,
Still single-handed crush the pride of France.
“Another indignity was offered to this country in the communication of the First Consul of France to the Legislative body. In this communication he presumes to affirm, in the character of chief Magistrate of that country, That Great Britain can not singly contend against the power of France: an assertion as unfounded as it is indecent, disproved by the events of many wars, and by none more than by those of the war which has recently been concluded. Such an assertion, advanced in the most solemn official act of a government, and thereby meant to be avowed to all the powers of Europe, can be considered in no other light than as a defiance publicly offered to his Majesty, and to a brave and powerful people, who are both willing and able to defend his just rights, and those of their country, against every insult and aggression.” His Majesty's Declaration, 1803.
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