Lines on the Departure of General Don
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Is there a man who holds his country dear, And does not pensive drop a grateful tear? Ah! no, I see thy grief Caesaria flow; Brave Don departs! - to foreign shores must go. Methinks I hear each bosom say: “His country calls - our General must away “To other climes, his valour to display “With keen regret from thee we part - but go - “To Walcheren prove palladium to the foe; “The verdant wreaths are weaving for they brow.” Each loyal breast shall oft thy absence mourn; Shall oft too heave a sigh for thy return. Of all the chiefs that this blest Isle e'er lov'd, Justly thou wert by far the most approv'd; To shield our land from a destructive foe, None ever did such zeal as thine bestow From hostile hands Caesaria's happy coast, By thee secured now mocks a tyrant's boast. Fain would our graceful hearts memorial show, Of what, brave chief, we do thy kindness owe; Accept the trifles then which we bestow, As a small proof, if proof be wanted here, How truly thou'rt to ev'ry bosom dear, Of this assur'd - In whatever dangers borne, The laurel from thy brow shall ne'er be torn.
E. L. V. |