Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 3.djvu/451

Rh Yet Tenderness and Time may rob the tear

Of half its bitterness for one so dear;

A Nation's gratitude perchance may spread

A thornless pillow for the widowed head;

May lighten well her heart's maternal care,

And wean from Penury the soldier's heir;

Or deem to living war-worn Valour just

Each wounded remnant—Albion's cherished trust—

Warm his decline with those endearing rays,

Whose bounteous sunshine yet may gild his days—

So shall that Country—while he sinks to rest—

His hand hath fought for—by his heart be blest! May, 1814. [First published, Letters and Journals, 1830, i. 559.]

ELEGIAC STANZAS ON THE DEATH OF SIR PETER PARKER, BART.

1.

is a tear for all that die,

A mourner o'er the humblest grave;

But nations swell the funeral cry,

And Triumph weeps above the brave.