Poem by William Lisle Bowles

Dirge of Nelson

Toll Nelson's knell! a soul more brave
Ne'er triumphed on the green-sea wave!
Sad o'er the hero's honoured grave,
Toll Nelson's knell!

The ball of Death unerring flew;
His cheek has lost its ardent hue;
He sinks, amid his gallant crew!
Toll Nelson's knell!

Yet lift, brave chief, thy dying eyes;
Hark! loud huzzas around thee rise;
Aloft the flag of conquest flies!
The day is won!

The day is won--peace to the brave!
But whilst the joyous streamers wave,
We'll think upon the victor's grave!
Peace to the brave! 

1. Sonnet 1. As slow I climb the cliff's ascending side
2. Sonnet 14. On a Distant View of England
3. Sonnet 7. At a Village in Scotland
4. Sonnet 11. Written at Ostend
5. Greenwich Hospital

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