How sleep the brave who sink to rest
By all their countrys wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns the deck their hallowd mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancys feet have ever trod.
By fair hands their knell is rung,
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
There Honour comes, a pilgrim grey,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And freedom shall a while repair
To dwell a weeping hermit there.
Ode: How Sleep the Brave
written byWilliam Taylor Collins
© William Taylor Collins