To have fall'n, my country crying

Quote byRichard Glover · 1712–1785

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "Admiral Hosier's Ghost", st. 8.

English (original)

To have fall'n, my country crying, He has play'd an English part, Had been better far than dying Of a griev'd and broken heart.

— Richard Glover

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Hence with all my train attending From their oozy tombs below, Through the hoary foam ascending Here I feed my constant woe.

After this proud foe subduing, When your patriot friends you see, Think on vengeance for my ruin, And for England sham'd in me.

Heed, oh heed! my fatal story, I am Hosier's injur'd ghost; You who now have purchas'd glory At this place where I was lost.

As, near Porto Bello lying, On the gently swelling flood, At midnight, with streamers flying, Our triumphant navy rode.

Sent in this foul clime to languish Think what thousands fell in vain, Wasted with disease and anguish, Not in glorious battle slain.

But see! the pains begin to fly; Tho’ Venus bled she could not die: See the new phœnix point her eyes, And lovelier from her ashes rise.