Page:Poems and extracts - Wordsworth.djvu/105

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Lines written by Capt. James upon his leaving Charlton Island, where many of his Ship's Crew had died during the winter, which they passed there A. D. 1631-2.


I were unkind unless that I did shed
Before I part some tears upon our Dead:
And when my eyes be dry I will not cease
I heart to pray their bones may rest in peace:
Their better parts, (good souls) I know were given,
With an intent they should return to heaven:
Their lives they spent to the last drop of blood.
Seeking God's glory and their Country's good.
And as a valiant Soldier rather dies.
Than yields his courage to his enemies,10

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