Poems by Felicia Dorothea Browne/Sacred to the Memory of Lord Nelson

by Felicia Hemans

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF LORD NELSON.

While British hearts with noble ardour glow,
    Warm with the genuine spirit of the brave;
Ah! still a grateful tear of joy must flow,
    The sacred tribute o'er a hero's grave.

Oh! yes, a sweet enthusiastic tear
    Shall tremble in the generous Briton's eye;
And own with melting energy sincere,
    A Nelson's worth, a country's liberty,

The mournful muse shall consecrate his name
    With all the inspiration of the lyre;
And loyal bosoms kindling at his fame,
    Shall glory in the patriotic fire.

And o'er the tomb that holds his sacred dust
    Shall glory weave the brightest laurel crown;
While in the noble records of the just,
    His name shall live in virtue's fair renown.