poem, silk

Poem printed on silk in memorial to Nelson after the capitulation of Naples. The poem describes how Nelson has secured the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies for its king. The ode was written by the Irish Franciscan Michael Mac Cormick, and although it celebrates Nelson’s actions in Naples, which was probably one of the darker, more problematic periods of his career.

The text is as follows:
On The Victorious Hero/LORD ADMIRAL NELSON/TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE/MY LADY HAMILTON/DEDICATED/AN ODE/Great Nelson that your labours now are crown'd,/And your glorious Name forever made renown'd;/By every Nation be your worhty praises sung,/ To Thee let trumpets sound, and bells be rung./By Thee, we are, most Glorious Victor, free'd,/By God's power you were for this decree'd;/ of direful bondage you tore the chains,/ of sad slavery no one more complains./ Proud Usurpers from Church and State you drag,/ At your approach their savey boastings flag;/ Naughty rebels from their strong haunts you tear,/ Their stiff stubborn necks, your just yoke must bear -- / Before Heavens great Judge as wick'd men shall quake, / As the last loud Thunder the Earth shall shake,/ So rash Rebles, brace NELSON'S coming dread,/ And seek some hole to hide sheir guilty head./ Bless'd be God, Who gives such force to MAN,/ That one alone does, more than thousands plan;/ Faithful chief, who never leads to banter;/ Most faithful, who never fils to conquer./ Our Hero's vaolour, seas and Lands admire,/ Nor walls, nor water can withstand his Fire;/ As Alexander scoured the extensive Plain,/ Great NELSON triumphant rules the rugged Main./ Happy These who merit His powerful aid,/ Thrice

Object Details

ID: TXT0079
Collection: Textiles
Type: poem, silk
Display location: Not on display
Date made: 1799
People: MacCormick, Michael; Nelson, Horatio Hamilton, Emma
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Frame: 164 x 210 x 21 mm