On the Sinking of the Victoria

" Has Nelson heard? "
Death's angel spake what time the sea was rent
With that big plunge. Far hand-clap, and the word —
" Content."

Content; even so,
Great sailor, let the immortal signal fly —
Enough! we know our duty, and we know
To die.

To die. No loud
Thunder of battle shakes the furious scene;
And, if we die in silence, are you proud,
O Queen?

O Queen, 'tis thus
For you we die, no matter where or when
Or how we die, the while you say of us —
" O, nobly died! O glorious Englishmen! "