The Nation mourns for K. of K.;
Who from this life has passed away;
His body lies beneath the wave,
The soldier's found a sailor's grave.
The hero he of many a fight,
Was stern, unbending, for the right;
In purpose strong, he feared no foe;
Ah, Fate! then why this cruel blow?
The Nation mourns; where can she find
A man so true, so just, so kind,
With brain and hand to guide the helm,
And guard the honour of the realm?
Would he had lived to see the fall
Of Europe's tyrants one and all,
From war's fell grip the world's release,
And nations crowned with lasting peace!
Sleep on, great heart! If we endure
Like thee, our victory is sure;
Thy shade will lead us, Nation's friend,
Thy spirit conquer in the end.