The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF
LORD BYRON. |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF LORD BYRON.
The greatest bard is fall'n that ever strung
The mighty lyre that swell'd from hell to heav'n,—
The sweetest minstrel mute that ever sung,
Since from the skies Apollo's harp was giv'n!
The mighty lyre that swell'd from hell to heav'n,—
The sweetest minstrel mute that ever sung,
Since from the skies Apollo's harp was giv'n!
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Though little minds may not lament his fall,
Nor bring one flow'r to form the mournful wreath—
He needs no wreath! for Fame has wove it all;
Wet with her tears—it blossoms at his death!
Nor bring one flow'r to form the mournful wreath—
He needs no wreath! for Fame has wove it all;
Wet with her tears—it blossoms at his death!
Its amaranthine leaves through time shall bloom,
Beyond the reach of Envy's ruthless hand!
Love, Liberty, and Genius guard his tomb,
And weeping there shall Grecian Freedom stand.
Beyond the reach of Envy's ruthless hand!
Love, Liberty, and Genius guard his tomb,
And weeping there shall Grecian Freedom stand.
He sung of storms, and of the tempest wave,—
No theme on earth his mighty pen passed by;
From victory's height—down to the warrior's grave,
From earth's dark centre to the lofty sky!
No theme on earth his mighty pen passed by;
From victory's height—down to the warrior's grave,
From earth's dark centre to the lofty sky!
Ye minor bards, unstring the feeble lyre!
Nor strive in Byron's lofty verse to mourn:
Four mighty poets only had the fire
Fit to inscribe the lines beneath his urn!
Nor strive in Byron's lofty verse to mourn:
Four mighty poets only had the fire
Fit to inscribe the lines beneath his urn!
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |