Come to these peaceful seats, and think no more <br />Of cold, of midnight watchings, or the roar <br />Of Ocean, tossing on his restless bed! <br />Come to these peaceful seats, ye who have bled <br />For honour, who have traversed the great flood, <br />Or on the battle's front with stern eye stood, <br />When rolled its thunder, and the billows red <br />Oft closed, with sudden flashings, o'er the dead! <br />Oh, heavy are the sorrows that beset <br />Old age! and hard it is--hard to forget <br />The sunshine of our youth, our manhood's pride! <br />But here, O aged men! ye may abide <br />Secure, and see the last light on the wave <br />Of Time, which wafts you silent to your grave; <br />Like the calm evening ray, that smiles serene <br />Upon the tranquil Thames, and cheers the sinking scene.<br /><br />William Lisle Bowles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/greenwich-hospital/
