The Spirit’s Salute

The Spirit’s Salute

THE hero’s noble shade stands high

On yonder turret grey;

And as the ship is sailing by,

He speeds it on his way.

“See with what strength these sinews[208]thrill’d！

This heart,how firm and wild!

These bones,what knightly marrow fill’d!

This cup,how bright it smil’d!

“Half of my life I strove and fought,

And half I calmly pass’d;

And thou,oh ship with beings fraught,

Sail safely to the last!”

1774.