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By heroes little valued, never fell A useless sacrifice at his command. How beautiful, and like a god he stood, Amid the grateful people he had saved From war's red scourge; his eagle eye was bent In gentle fondness o'er them. Chronicled In brass and marble to a distant age, His deeds shall proudly stand: but oh, above Earth's bright renown, for him the widow's prayer The orphan's blessing shall ascend to Heaven. The dearest meed of valour is the praise That flows from pure unsullied female lips. Fair Veronica, 'tis the proudest boast Of brave Geraldi, that his deeds have won Thy virtuous love. Kings may bestow rich gifts, Honours, and titles; Fame may twine a wreath Of bright and fadeless laurels, and the soul That covets immortality must prize The splendid trophies. Yet the human heart