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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON THE SINKING OF THE VICTORIA by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN

First Line: HAS NELSON HEARD?'
Last Line: "O, NOBLY DIED! O GLORIOUS ENGLISHMEN!"
Subject(s): NELSON, HORATIO, VISCOUNT (1758-1805); SEA BATTLES; NAVAL WARFARE;
"HAS Nelson heard?"
Death's angel spake what time the sea was rent
With that big plunge. Far hand-clap, and the word --
"Content."

Content; even so,
Great sailor, let the immortal signal fly --
Enough! we know our duty, and we know
To die.

To die. No loud
Thunder of battle shakes the furious scene;
And, if we die in silence, are you proud,
O Queen?

O Queen, 'tis thus
For you we die, no matter where or when
Or how we die, the while you say of us --
"O, nobly died! O glorious Englishmen!"



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