Monarchs exiled found shelter on my shores;
My bounty rescued Kings and Emperors.
But what boots victory by land and sea,
What boots that Kings found refuge at my knee?
I was a conqueror, but yet not proud;
And careless, even when Napoleon bow'd.
The rescued Kings came kiss my garments' hem:
The rescued Kings I never heeded them.
My guns roared triumph, but I never heard:
All England thrilled with joy, I never stirred.
What care had I of pomp, of fame, or power—
A crazy old blind man in Windsor Tower?"[4]