THE TOPSAIL OF THE VICTORY
("On the wall is suspended the foretopsail of Lord Nelson's flagship Victory." Vide "Catalogue of Naval Exhibition, Chelsea, 1891")
Oh, Wings of Victory!
Proud battle-plumage, torn with shot and ball,
Draped in wide tattered glory on this wall!
Come hither! Come and see!
Lord Nelson's canvas here!
The topsail of his Flagship, when he sailed
To win Trafalgar for us,—and prevailed
'Mid thunder, flame, and fear.
The cloths she sheeted home
Shining and white that day! halliards and clew,
Cringle and tack and bolt-rope—clean and new—
Close to the foe to come:
