So sure of flight, which do not fly; Those scriptured flanks it cannot see; WELLINGTON'S FUNERAL. 18th November, 1852. 'VICTORY!' So once more the cry must be. In God's name; but by God's will, 'Victory !' Funeral, In the music round this pall, Solemn grief yields earth to earth; But what tones of solemn mirth In the pageant of new birth Rise and fall? For indeed, If our eyes were openèd, Who shall say what escort floats Here, which breath nor gleam denotes,Fiery horses, chariots Fire-footed? Trumpeter, Even thy call he may not hear; Multitude, Hold your breath in reverent mood: For while earth's whole kindred stand This soul's labour shall be scann'd And found good. Cherubim, Lift ye not even now your hymn? Lo! once lent for human lack, Thrills not now the starry track, Gabriel, Since the gift of thine 'All hail !' Than the peace which this man wrought Be no word Raised of bloodshed Christ-abhorr'd. Say: "Twas thus in His decrees For His harvest's high increase Sent a sword.' Veterans, He by whom the neck of France Countenance. Waterloo ! As the last grave must renew, Ere fresh death, the banshee-strain,— So methinks upon thy plain Falls some presage in the rain, And O thou, Watching with an exile's brow In some new heart's English blood Emperor, Is this all thy work was for ?— Yea thy titles, yea thy name, In another's shame, to shame Bandied o'er? * Wellington, Thy great work is but begun. With quick seed his end is rife Whose long tale of conquering strife Shows no triumph like his life Lost and won. * Date of the Coup d'État: 2nd December, 1851. |