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327

A POETICAL TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF LORD NELSON

INSCRIBED, WITH GREAT RESPECT, TO THE HONOURABLE CHARLES GREY.
Nelson, with all the patriot's ardour fired,
Like our great Wolfe, in victory's arms expired.
Triumphant Calpe, on the hostile shore,
Heard the last thunder of his cannon roar;
Firm as our hero, with a proud disdain,
It claimed our empire o'er the land, and main.
Oft had he suffered for his country's good;
His laurels oft took vigour from his blood;
Where'er our fleets unfurled their prosperous sails,
His glory flew with as propitious gales.
May thy illustrious deeds, in history's page,
With dignity be told, to every age;

328

May, to present thee to admiring eyes,
A Dionysius, or a Livy rise!
Shall feeble age endeavour to throw forth
Some strong ideas, to express thy worth?
Though long the British flag hath ruled the sea,
It's bravest heroes were excelled by thee;
The shades of Hawke, and of Boscawen shine
With fainter glories, when compared with thine.
This praise to a new height exalts thy name;
Thus, on the summit placed, of human fame.
Lesbury, Nov. 9th, 1805.