NELSON AND THE GUNNERS.

By James Barron Hope

O'er town, and works, and waves amain

Far fell grim Ruin's furious rain,

O'er parapet and mast,

And riding on the thunder-swell

Far flew the shot, far flew the shell

Red Havoc on the blast!

Then as the flashing cannon sowed

Their iron crop brave Nelson rode,

His bridle bit all foam,

Up to the gunners, and said he:

“Batter yon mansion down for me” —

“Basement, and walls, and dome!”

And better to sharpen those gunners’ wits,

“Five guineas,” he cried, “for each shot that hits!” —

That mansion was his home!