BELLE. (From the Illustrated London News.) I. What tribute shall we give the brave, Who stand or fall in freedom's cause Defenders of the right, Who ward the blow that tyrants deal II. And what the tribute greater still Of Duty's guiding star; Who ask no recompense of men, To save a brother's life, 111. What shall we give them-souls sublime, Who in the stormy dark, When frantic seas assault the shore, And whirl the helpless bark On treacherous sands, hear far away, Amid the fitful gale, The boom of guns, the seaman's cry, Or dying woman's wail, "Then launch their skiff, through blinding foam Of wild waves tempest-trod, IV. Heroes of Peace! no pomp of war, Or nerve their honest hands; And at its high commands And, when it bursts, undaunted still, v. What shall we give them? Honour? Fame? Ay, these, and something more- And tribute from their store; Yet, not to satisfy a debt 'Twould beggar gold to pay, But, for example to the world, High gleaming to the day; The gallant hearts-the hardy wights Who, mid the foam and swell, The hapless "Northern Belle." VI. And those who died-the noble nine? If nought can dry those widows' tears, To imitate their sires. Jan. 14, 1857. i a CHARLES MACKAY. : |