When War’s rude thunders rent the loaded air,
And clashing arms bespoke the dread dispute,
When Heroes pressed the cannon’s front to dare,
Each heart for Glory in the wild pursuit.
Amongst them Cotton fought; and lived to tell
To countless eager ears the mighty fray,
In which his comrades and opponents fell,
When victory to Britons gave the day.
His mortal course he thus pursued by choice,
And thus performed the labour from him due;