William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Georgian Verse. 1909.
Epitaph for the tombstone erected over the Marquis of Angleseas leg, lost at WaterlooGeorge Canning (17701827)
H
Presume to sneer and laugh,
To learn that moldering in the grave
Is laid a British Calf.
That those who read the whole
Will find such laugh was premature,
For here, too, lies a sole.
Twin born with other five,
Unheeded by their brother toes,
Who all are now alive.
Rests here of one commanding;
Who though his wits he might retain,
Lost half his understanding.
Poured bullets thick as hail,
Could only in this way be taught
To give the foe leg-bail.
As in the battle brave,
Goes to a rout, review or play,
With one foot in the grave.
For he will still be found,
Should England’s sons engage in fight,
Resolved to stand his ground.
She meant not to disarm,
For when she lopped the hero’s leg,
She did not seek his harm,
Since he could walk with one
She saw two legs were lost on him,
Who never meant to run.