I
Of Nelson and the North, Sing the glorious day's renown, When to battle fierce came forth All the might of Denmark's crown, And her arms along the deep proudly shone;5 By each gun the lighted brand, In a bold determined hand, And the Prince of all the land Led them on.
II
Like leviathans afloat,10 Lay their bulwarks on the brine; While the sign of battle flew On the lofty British line: It was ten of April morn by the chime: As they drifted on their path,15 There was silence deep as death; And the boldest held his breath, For a time.
III
But the might of England flush'd To anticipate the scene;20 And her van the fleeter rush'd O'er the deadly space between. "Hearts of oak!" our captain cried; when each gun From its adamantine lips Spread a death-shade round the ships,25 Like the hurricane eclipse Of the sun.
IV
Again! again! again! And the havoc did not slack, Till a feeble cheer the Dane30 To our cheering sent us back;— Their shots along the deep slowly boom:— Then ceased—and all is wail, As they strike the shatter'd sail; Or, in conflagration pale,35 Light the gloom.
V
Out spoke the victor then, As he hailed them o'er the wave; "Ye are brothers! ye are men! And we conquer but to save:—40 So peace instead of death let us bring; But yield, proud foe, thy fleet, With the crews, at England's feet And make submission meet To our King."45