The mortal wound! our matchless Champion's fall!
Loss that made all gain dear.
Foretopsail old!
Under your foot he fell—splendid in death:
Under your shade breathed forth his patriot breath!
Ah! wove with valor's gold,
Heroic Rags!
Flaunt to the world, as once to France and Spain,
Token of England's might upon the main,
Better than blazoned flags.
Flaunt!—for ye may—
Tatters which make it boast enough to be
Of Nelson's blood! Torn Wings of Victory
From dread Trafalgar's day!
