On a lone barren isle, where the wild roaring billows Assail the stern rock, and the loud tempests rave, The hero lies still, while the dew-drooping willows, Like fond weeping mourners, lean over his grave. The lightnings may flash and the loud thunders rattle; He heeds not, he hears not, hes free from all pain; He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle; No sound can awake him to glory again!
Yet spirit immortal, the tomb can not bind thee, But like thine own eagle that soars to the sun Thou springest from bondage and leavest behind thee A name which before thee no mortal hath won. Tho nations may combat, and wars thunders rattle, No more on thy steed wilt thou sweep oer the plain: Thou sleepst thy last sleep, thou hast fought thy last battle, No sound can awake thee to glory again.
The Grave of Bonaparte.
Note 1. This poem attributed to Leonard Heath was set to music by Lyman Heath (18041870). The author is still unknown. [back]