1804.15
To the Memory of
Sir Ralph Abercrombie[1]
“R. C.”
The Anti-Gallican (1804), p. 345

Spirit of the heavenly regions,
    Crown'd with never ending fame,
List and hear how earthly legions
    Consecrate thy deathless name.

From thy blest, thy sainted dwelling,
    Where midst fields of glory bright,
Thou sits't the sacred anthem swelling,
    With white rob'd ministers of light;

Behold the warriors bosom burning,
    The virgin's tear descend for thee;
The British youth with sorrow mourning
    The soldier of humanity.

There while valour lights each feature,
    Hear them vow they will be free;
Like thee to guard the rights of nature,
    To triumph, or to die like thee.

Still enchanted with thy story,
    With thy worth and martial glory,
They to latest times will prove,
    A nation's gratitude and love.

Spirit of the heavenly regions,
    Crown'd with never ending fame,
List and hear how earthly legions
    Consecrate thy sacred name.

Notes

1. Sir Ralph Abercromby (1734-1801) died at the battle of Abukir Bay on March 28, 1801 and was buried at Malta.