On the death of young Napoleon | ||
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ON THE DEATH OF YOUNG NAPOLEON.
Sole offspring of an unforgotten sire,—Spark of a meteor that aroused the world
To thoughts and deeds of danger, and unfurled
A hostile banner canopied in fire!
Thou, too, art summoned where the vain desire
Of slumberless Ambition sways no more;—
Where pride lies quenched—where glory's dream is o'er.
Now flattering Elegy awakes the lyre:
Shut out from life, just kindling to aspire,
With thee a thousand ardent hopes are dead—
With thee, perchance, a thousand fears are fled,
From foes who trembled at thy father's ire.
Thou hast not scattered diadems, yet fame
Hath linked a thrilling spell with thy exalted name.
On the death of young Napoleon | ||