This and some other passages, (in these songs of Trafalgar,) so much
resemble some thoughts in the vigorous and beautiful verses entitled,
‘Ulm and Trafalgar,’ that it is necessary for me to say that the former
were written and published in Ireland in Nov. 1805, and that it was not
until a very considerable time after, that I had the pleasure of reading
the latter, which were printed in London early, I believe, in 1806. I
should also add, that I think it highly improbable that my little
publication could have reached the author of ‘Ulm and Trafalgar,’ before
his poem appeared: so that whatever coincidence there may be is purely
accidental. I cannot but confess that I have thought much the better of
my own lines since I have discovered them to have any resemblance to
his, though I am aware that upon every body else a contrary effect will
be produced, and that nothing can be more unfavourable to me than any
thing like a comparison between us.
_DESPAIR OF SPAIN._
Line 11.
_---- can thy scope_
_Nothing but danger see?_
These verses were prompted by the indignation which I felt and feel at
the _unbritish_ language of those who tremble, or affect to tremble, for
the safety of England, who prophesy the subjugation of Spain, and
trumpet forth the invincibility of Bonaparte. It may be weakness, it may
be ignorance, which prompts such expressions;--it may be a sincere,
though shameful conviction of the vanity of opposing France;--but,
whatever be its source, such conduct appears to be a most potent
auxiliary to the common enemy of Europe, and very little short of
treason against the liberties of mankind. 1810.