Triumphant waved my flag on land and sea:
Where was the king in Europe like to me?
Monarchs exiled found shelter on my shores;
My bounty rescued kings and emperors.
But what boots victory by land or sea?
What boots that kings found refuge at my knee?
I was a conqueror, but yet not proud;
And careless, even though Napoleon bow'd.
The rescued kings came kiss my garments' hem:
The rescued kings I never heeded them.