A loftier muse, in higher strains, may sing <br />A grander requiem o'er the stateman's bier: <br />Yet genius, rank, and grandeur may not bring <br />A holier tribute, or a warmer tear. <br /> <br /> <br />'Familiar in our mouths as household words,' <br />His name, his talent, and his worth. Enshrined <br />In Britain's heart, when memory stirs its chords, <br />She boasts the triumphs of his master mind. <br /> <br /> <br />The world of politics abroad he scanned <br />With eagle glance, that would not quail or pause; <br />Woe to the despot! whose unholy hand <br />Had touched the ark of British rights and laws. <br /> <br /> <br />His was no garment rolled in needless blood- <br />His voice, no shouting warrior's battle cry; <br />A Nestor at the council board he stood, <br />His counsels ever sage, and purpose high. <br /> <br /> <br />The demon steed of dark despotic power <br />He curbed and reined with might and matchless skill; <br />When o'er our isle the tempest seemed to lower, <br />The brooding clouds were scattered at his will. <br /> <br /> <br />'We may not look upon his like again.' <br />Full oft he passed, avoiding shoal and strand, <br />O'er diplomacy's deep and treacherous main, <br />And brought the good ship Britain safe to land. <br /> <br /> <br />Alas! the hand that held the helm is cold- <br />The trusted pilot treads the deck no more, <br />Whose skilful tactics-measures prompt and bold- <br />Kept far the dangers of a leeward shore. <br /> <br /> <br />His place is vacant at the council board, <br />And empty in the senatorial hall; <br />But in the nation's heart a grateful chord <br />Still vibrates strong for him, revered of all.<br /><br />Janet Hamilton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/elegiac-verses-on-the-death-of-lord-palmerston/
