Page:Australian and Other Poems.djvu/67

 IMPROMPTU.

WRITTEN AFTER A PERSUAL OF WASHINGTON IRVING'S "LIFE OF COLUMBUS."

war's unyielding work successful speed, In victor's laurels still acquire their meed; A just reward, by fame, is ever found For wit, for eloquence, and lore profound; While praise to statesmen due unceasing rings, And patriots still are honoured more than kings. Buy yet nor high renown nor splendid name Can match, Great Sailor! thy extended fame; For not on cities swept with wasting hand, Nor one state ruined that the next may stand, On certain, evil, nor on doubtful good Subsists thy greatness, justly understood.