BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF THE LATE MARTIN NEVILLE, ESQ. COMMANDER, R.N.

Summary

How many youthful Sons I late enjoyed,

Valiant in battle!

No–if I e'er return, return I must,

Glorious, my Country's terror laid in dust:

Or, if I perish, let her see me fall,

In field at least, and fighting for her all.

War is our business; but to whom is given

To die or triumph, that determines Heaven!

TO every man who in the service of his country has distinguished himself, whether by a series of brilliant success, or by the sacrifice of his life in less fortunate circumstances, the debt of public gratitude is due, and in the breast of every real patriot will be felt and acknowledged. Among the many mysteries of human life, War is not the least. As a scourge in the hands of Providence, it is truly awful; but in this, as in all its dispensations, good is elicited from ill–and the moral world, as well as the natural atmosphere, is purified by storms. The fiery spirit of mad Ambition calls forth the noble ardour of opposing Patriotism to repel its unjust invasions. To die is the common lot of all–but thus to die demands our grateful admiration, and an imperishable memorial in the annals of the Country thus protected. A never fading renown is the stimulus of heroic deeds, and whether the hero live or die, his reward is sure.