Mirth and Metre consisting of Poems, Serious, Humorous, and Satirical; Songs, Sonnets, Ballads & Bagatelles. Written by C. Dibdin, Jun |
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SIR RALPH ABERCROMBIE.
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 | Mirth and Metre |  |
SIR RALPH ABERCROMBIE.
(TUNE, ADMIRAL BENBOW.)
When Gallia's battalions to the East found their way,
And the great name of Buonaparte spread thro' Egypt dismay,
“Go, Frenchmen!” he cried, “all the East shall be yours,
For my banner Invincible conquest secures.”
And the great name of Buonaparte spread thro' Egypt dismay,
“Go, Frenchmen!” he cried, “all the East shall be yours,
For my banner Invincible conquest secures.”
To Sir Ralph, and Sir Sidney, Britannia she cried,
“This invincible conquer, and check Gallia's pride;”
And long March 21st glory's theme shall supply,
When both Britons and Gauls swore to conquer or die.
“This invincible conquer, and check Gallia's pride;”
And long March 21st glory's theme shall supply,
When both Britons and Gauls swore to conquer or die.
The impulse was glorious, the struggle was hot,
When Sir Ralph Abercrombie received a fell shot;
While the angel of death heav'd a sigh from the dread
He must summons the chief'ere to victory led.
When Sir Ralph Abercrombie received a fell shot;
While the angel of death heav'd a sigh from the dread
He must summons the chief'ere to victory led.
With Spartan composure, tho' by anguish assail'd,
Sir Ralph led the way till by victory hail'd;
And Gallia's palladium, invincible thought,
To his feet by the Scotch 42d was brought.
Sir Ralph led the way till by victory hail'd;
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To his feet by the Scotch 42d was brought.
Three generals of France amid hosts of slain lay;
But the raptures of Briton to sorrow gave way;
While Sir Ralph proclaim'd victory, they saw his blood flow,
And the angel of death gave him warning to go.
But the raptures of Briton to sorrow gave way;
While Sir Ralph proclaim'd victory, they saw his blood flow,
And the angel of death gave him warning to go.
To his brave Caledonians one hand he extends;
To his brave Britons one—then said, “Children and friends!
The Patriot in death finds no terrors,—but charms!”
Kiss'd the flag he had won, and expir'd in their arms.
To his brave Britons one—then said, “Children and friends!
The Patriot in death finds no terrors,—but charms!”
Kiss'd the flag he had won, and expir'd in their arms.
Now his worth is rewarded, then dry the sad tear;
Prove by acting his virtues his worth you revere;
Like patrons unite, and your flag thus unfurl'd,
Shall invincible prove, tho' oppos'd by a world.
Prove by acting his virtues his worth you revere;
Like patrons unite, and your flag thus unfurl'd,
Shall invincible prove, tho' oppos'd by a world.
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