Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2011
Genius of Albion, still 'tis thine
To wield the sceptre of the main;
E'en though th' embattled world combine
To wrest it, the attempt proves vain.
Firm as an adamantine rock,
Thy naval prowess meets the shock,
And hurls, indignant, the insulting blow
Aimed at thy head, on the recoiling foe.
WE have before adverted to the dangers, fatigues, and privations to which naval officers are necessarily subject in their course of duty; but in so doing, it was far from our intention to throw any di couragement on the service, or to check the noble, and, as the world is constituted, necessary aspiration to martial adventure. To men of more retired notions it may, and undoubtedly does, seem wonderful, that amidst the comfortable enjoyments and pleasing indulgences experienced in the bosom of family and friends at home, an inclination to quit their assiduous attentions and care so generally bestowed, at that early age, when the naval officer is called upon to commence his career, should prevail. Nevertheless we find, and it is characteristic of our happy isles, that the youth of Britain are not to be deterred from yielding to that strong innate impulse, which urges the young hero to his choice of this rugged road to honor and distinction.
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