ON A PORTRAIT OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON UPON THE FIELD OF WATERLOO, BY HAYDON
BY Art’s bold privilege Warrior and War-horse stand On ground yet strewn with their last battle’s wreck; Let the Steed glory while his Master’s hand Lies fixed for ages on his conscious neck; But by the Chieftain’s look, though at his side Hangs that day’s treasured sword, how firm a check Is given to triumph and all human pride! Yon trophied Mound shrinks to a shadowy speck In his calm presence! Him the mighty deed Elates not, brought far nearer the grave’s rest, 10 As shows that time-worn face, for he such seed Has sown as yields, we trust, the fruit of fame In Heaven; hence no one blushes for thy name, Conqueror, ‘mid some sad thoughts, divinely blest! 1840.