The Poetry Corner

Epitaph On Nelson

By Thomas Oldham

Lo! here are Nelson's honour'd relics laid; Britons! your Country's Genius calls you here, And bids you pay to your lost Hero's shade The noble homage of a patriot tear. Against the fleets of Gallia, Denmark, Spain, Full oft Britannia's war-bolts he has hurl'd; Stretch'd forth her sceptre o'er the vanquish'd main, And with her glory fill'd the astonish'd world. His matchless triumphs shall the voice of Fame, With loud applause, to latest ages tell; Still uttering with a sigh Trafalgar's name, Where last he conquer'd, where alas! he fell.