Uncovered to his grave.—Her piteous loss
The lonesome Mother cannot chuse but mourn;
Yet soon by Christian faith is grief subdued, 1815.
[3] C. and 1838.
And joy attends upon her fortitude. 1815.
Or joy returns to brighten fortitude. 1837.
FEELINGS OF A NOBLE BISCAYAN AT ONE OF THOSE FUNERALS, 1810
Composed 1810.—Published 1815
Yet, yet, Biscayans! we must meet our Foes
With firmer soul, yet labour to regain
Our ancient freedom; else 'twere worse than vain
To gather round the bier these festal shows.
A garland fashioned of the pure white rose 5
Becomes not one whose father is a slave:
Oh, bear the infant covered to his grave!
These venerable mountains now enclose
A people sunk in apathy and fear.
If this endure, farewell, for us, all good! 10
The awful light of heavenly innocence
Will fail to illuminate the infant's bier;
And guilt and shame, from which is no defence,
Descend on all that issues from our blood.