Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LINES WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OF THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY TO COMMEMORATE THE DAY OF VICTORY IN EGYPT, by THOMAS CAMPBELL Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pledge to the much-loved land that gave us birth Last Line: Their country leave unconquered as of yore! Subject(s): Moore, Sir John (1761-1809); Napoleonic Wars | ||||||||
PLEDGE to the much-loved land that gave us birth! Invincible romantic Scotia's shore! Pledge to the memory of her parted worth! And first, amidst the brave, remember Moore! And be it deemed not wrong that name to give, In festive hours, which prompts the patriot's sigh! Who would not envy such as Moore to live? And died he not as heroes wish to die? Yes, though too soon attaining glory's goal, To us his bright career too short was given; Yet in a mighty cause his phoenix soul Rose on the flames of victory to Heaven! How oft (if beats in subjugated Spain One patriot heart) in secret shall it mourn For him! -- How oft on far Corunna's plain Shall British exiles weep upon his urn! Peace to the mighty dead; -- our bosom thanks In sprightlier strains the living may inspire! Joy to the chiefs that led old Scotia's ranks, Of Roman garb and more than Roman fire! Triumphant be the thistle still unfurled, Dear symbol wild! on Freedom's hills it grows, Where Fingal stemmed the tyrants of the world. And Roman eagles found unconquered foes. Joy to the band this day on Egypt's coast, Whose valor tamed proud France's tricolor, And wrenched the banner from her bravest host, Baptized Invincible in Austria's gore! Joy for the day on red Vineira's strand, When, bayonet to bayonet opposed, First of Britannia's host her Highland band Gave but the death-shot once, and foremost closed! Is there a son of generous England here Or fervid Erin? -- he with us shall join, To pray that in eternal union dear, The rose, the shamrock, and the thistle twine! Types of a race who shall th' invader scorn, As rocks resist the billows round their shore; Types of a race who shall to time unborn Their country leave unconquered as of yore! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BURIAL OF SIR JOHN MOORE AT [OR AFTER] CORUNNA by CHARLES WOLFE STANZAS ON THE THREATENED INVASION, 1803 by THOMAS CAMPBELL THE CONFLAGRATION OF MOSCOW by CALEB C. COLTON MASQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE SPIRIT OF THE WARS OF LIBERATION by GERHART HAUPTMANN THE BATTLE OF CORUNNA by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL IL Y A CNET ANS by GEORGE MEREDITH BATTLE OF THE BALTIC by THOMAS CAMPBELL DOWNFALL OF POLAND [FALL OF WARSAW, 1794] by THOMAS CAMPBELL |
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