THE HEROES OF WATERLOO.
I
Weep for the heroes who nobly have perish'd,
Whilst planting the olive of freedom on earth;
Long shall their names, by their countrymen cherish'd,
Ennoble the island that gave them their birth.
History, painting their triumph in story,
Checks for awhile her victorious strain,
And pensively turns to encircle in glory
The heroes who fell upon Waterloo's plain.
II
Yet mourn not for them! for in future tradition
Their fame shall exist as our tutelar star;
To instil, by example, the noble ambition
Of falling, like them, in a glorious war.
Posterity long shall remember with pleasure
They perish'd for freedom, nor perish'd in vain;
And minstrels shall choose for their favourite measure
The tale of the battle on Waterloo's plain.
III
Surviving affection must ever lament them,
Mothers and wives for their treasures must mourn;
Had they but lived, oh! how sweet to present them
The wreaths that must now deck their funeral urn.
Though tears may be seen in the bright eye of beauty,
One consolation must ever remain—
Undaunted they trod in the pathway of duty,
Which led them to glory on Waterloo's plain.
